Allegheny County, PA HOA Rules: Dispute Resolution (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- 68 Pa.C.S. §5311
- Remedies
- Injunction/damages/fees
- MDJ
- Up to $12,000
- Common Pleas
- Larger disputes
- ADR
- Encouraged
Summary
HOA disputes in Allegheny County resolved under 68 Pa.C.S. §5311 allowing unit owners to bring actions for declaratory/injunctive relief, damages, and attorney's fees for HOA violations. Alternative dispute resolution encouraged but not mandated by statute. Magisterial District Court handles small claims under $12,000; Court of Common Pleas for larger matters.
§ 5321. Alternative dispute resolution in planned communities. (a) Applicability.-- (1) A planned community established after the effective date of this section shall adopt bylaws in compliance with this section. (2) A planned community established on or before the effective date of this section may adopt bylaws in compliance with the provisions of this section. (b) Procedures.-- (1) The bylaws shall establish procedures for an alternative dispute resolution for disputes between: (i) two or more unit owners; or (ii) a unit owner and the association. (2) Alternative dispute resolution shall be limited to disputes where all parties agree to alternative dispute resolution. (3) Costs and fees associated with alternative dispute resolution, excluding attorney fees, shall be assessed equally against all parties to a dispute. (c) Construction.-- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or impair the right of a unit owner, declarant or association to pursue a private cause of action or seek other relief.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Contact Allegheny County at (412) 350-4636 for enforcement. Contact Allegheny County at (412) 350-5313 for current ordinance details and enforcement procedures specific to your situation within unincorporated areas. This Allegheny County ordinance applies to unincorporated areas outside any incorporated municipality within the county. Residents inside cities, towns, villages, and boroughs are subject to their local municipal code, which may be stricter or may preempt the county rule entirely. For current statutory text, amendments, enforcement procedures, penalty schedules, appeal processes, and any exemptions or grandfathering that may apply to your specific situation, contact Allegheny County at (412) 350-5313 or consult the county code library directly. Always verify with the county before relying on summary information, as ordinances are updated periodically and may change without notice.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allegheny County
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