Months after their dream patio projects turned into a financial nightmare, some Las Vegas homeowners are finally getting a slice of their money back. A handful of alleged victims of Patio Covers 4 Less are now receiving partial repayments through Nevada’s Residential Recovery Fund, even as the criminal case against the company’s owners moves steadily toward trial.
State recovery fund starts paying some claims
The Nevada State Contractors Board has begun issuing payments from its Residential Recovery Fund, which can reimburse eligible homeowners up to $40,000 per claim for verified losses tied to licensed contractors. The board runs the fund, which is designed to step in after other options have been tried and come up short, according to the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Why some claims were initially denied
Not everyone who complained has qualified for help. Several homeowners saw their applications rejected because their deposit checks were made out to different company names, often “Vegas Shade,” instead of Patio Covers 4 Less. That mismatch on the payee line has complicated access to the state fund, even in cases where regulators believe the consumers were misled, according to reporting from Moneywise.
Criminal case and court dates
State investigators report that roughly 40 consumer complaints have been filed against Patio Covers 4 Less and that the company collected more than $137,000 in deposits without finishing the jobs. The Nevada board revoked the contractor’s license in March 2025, according to KTNV.
Company owner Ryan Vozzola has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of fraud and theft and is set to face trial on October 5, 2026. Co-owner Amy Rusch is scheduled to return to court for negotiations in August 2026. At least one victim has already received money back through the board’s process, as reported by 8 News Now.
Board urges caution and paperwork
The Nevada State Contractors Board is using the case as a cautionary tale. Officials urge homeowners to confirm that a contractor is properly licensed, avoid paying with cash only, and insist on a written contract that clearly lists the business name along with who gets paid and how, before any deposit changes hands. Keeping contracts, cancelled checks and written communications can strengthen a homeowner’s position if they later need to pursue recovery or file a civil lawsuit, according to the Nevada State Contractors Board.
For many, the fund payments feel like a long overdue win, although they rarely make victims completely whole and the rules can be tough to navigate. Homeowners looking to file or track a claim can find forms and contact details on the board’s website, and anyone who believes they have been the target of criminal conduct is urged to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or consult a private attorney.
