Alameda County HOAs must offer Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Civil Code 5900-5920 and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before filing most lawsuits. Both processes are low-cost alternatives to litigation.
Davis-Stirling requires Alameda County HOAs to provide a free Internal Dispute Resolution procedure under Civil Code 5910 allowing owners to meet with the board or a committee to resolve disagreements. IDR must be offered in good faith and cannot require attorney representation. If IDR fails, Civil Code 5930 mandates Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as mediation or arbitration before filing civil actions seeking declaratory, injunctive, or non-monetary relief (small claims and certain assessment disputes are exempt). ADR requests must be in writing, and refusal may affect attorney fee awards later. Owners in Pleasanton, Dublin, Fremont, and other Alameda HOA communities commonly use local mediators or the Northern California Mediation Center. If mediation fails, lawsuits typically proceed in Alameda County Superior Court.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Alameda County's dispute resolution rules stack up against other locations.
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