The Davis-Stirling Act requires HOAs to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation. Members may request IDR meetings with the board. ADR mediation is required before most lawsuits.
Civil Code §5900–5920 establishes the internal dispute resolution (IDR) process allowing any HOA member to meet with a board representative to resolve disputes informally. The HOA must provide IDR procedures annually. If IDR fails, Civil Code §5925–5965 requires alternative dispute resolution (ADR) — typically mediation — before filing lawsuits between an HOA and a member for amounts under $100,000 or non-monetary disputes. A party failing to participate in ADR may lose the right to recover attorney fees even if they prevail in court. The Davis-Stirling Act also allows members to petition the court to enforce the governing documents. Small claims court is available for disputes under $10,000. The California Department of Real Estate handles complaints regarding common interest development management.
Refusing IDR carries no penalty but may affect credibility. Refusing ADR before litigation may result in forfeiture of attorney fee recovery. Court may order compliance with governing documents and award attorney fees to the prevailing party.
Compton, CA
Amplified music and sound devices are regulated in Compton under nuisance and disturbing-the-peace provisions. CA Penal Code 415 applies as a fallback for ex...
Compton, CA
California banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024. Existing gas blowers may still be used. Compton does not have a specifi...
Compton, CA
Industrial noise in Compton is regulated under nuisance code and LA County noise control standards. Industrial areas should not exceed 70 dB at any time. Cal...
Compton, CA
Compton adopts LA County animal regulations which discourage feeding of wildlife. CDFW regulations prohibit feeding of certain wildlife species. Attracting c...
Compton, CA
Beekeeping in Compton is regulated under general animal control provisions and California state law. Bee colonies must not constitute a public nuisance. Regi...
Compton, CA
Compton's zoning code (Chapter 30) and adopted LA County Animal Code regulate keeping chickens and livestock. Roosters are restricted. Keeping animals beyond...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle dispute resolution.
See how Compton's dispute resolution rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.