HOA disputes in Rancho Cordova follow Davis-Stirling mandatory procedures. Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Civil Code 5900-5920 is available at member request at no charge, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) under Civil Code 5925-5965 is generally required before filing most enforcement lawsuits.
Civil Code sections 5900 through 5920 require every HOA to adopt a fair, reasonable, and expeditious IDR procedure available to members at no cost for disputes involving enforcement of governing documents or Davis-Stirling. A member request triggers a meet-and-confer style process with at least one board representative. Civil Code sections 5925 through 5965 require that before filing a civil action to enforce governing documents or the Act (other than small claims, assessment collection, or certain emergency matters), the party must request ADR such as mediation. Failure to participate in ADR can be considered by the court in awarding attorney fees. Small claims court (up to 12,500 dollars for individuals) remains available without ADR. Parties may also file complaints with the California Department of Real Estate or pursue accounting and accounting-adjacent claims.
Refusal to participate in IDR or ADR in good faith can influence attorney fee awards and, in some cases, merits decisions. Associations can be held liable for fees when they refuse ADR unreasonably.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle dispute resolution.
See how Rancho Cordova's dispute resolution rules stack up against other locations.
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