Dispute Resolution: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do dispute resolution rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California Civil Code 5900-5965 requires HOAs in San Bernardino County to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before filing litigation over most disputes.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino HOAs must offer Internal Dispute Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution under CA Civil Code 5900 before most lawsuits. Either side can demand a meet-and-confer, and refusal can affect fee awards.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Governing Law | - | CA Civil Code 5900 plus |
| IDR | - | Internal meet-and-confer |
| ADR | - | Mediation or arbitration |
| Monetary Exception | - | 10,000 dollars or less |
| Prevailing Fees | - | Civil Code 5975 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I have to mediate before suing my HOA in San Bernardino?
For most governing document disputes seeking injunctive or declaratory relief, yes. Civil Code 5925 requires Alternative Dispute Resolution before filing. Exceptions apply to small claims and assessment collection cases.
What happens if the HOA refuses to mediate?
You can still file in Superior Court. Under Civil Code 5960 the judge can consider the refusal when awarding attorney fees, which often encourages the association to participate once litigation begins.
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