Riverside, CA HOA Rules: Dispute Resolution (2026)

California Civil Code Sections 5900 through 5965 require every Riverside HOA to provide dispute-resolution procedures before litigation. Internal Dispute Resolution under Section 5900 must be available at no cost to the member; the board and homeowner meet informally and any resolution is reduced to writing, signed, and binding on the association if ratified by the board. Alternative Dispute Resolution under Section 5925 applies before filing a civil action for declaratory, injunctive, or writ relief related to enforcement of the governing documents or Davis-Stirling; either party may serve a Request for Resolution, and the other party has 30 days to accept, after which mediation or arbitration must conclude within 90 days.

A certificate stating ADR was attempted, refused, or that preliminary injunctive relief was sought must accompany the complaint under Section 5950. Failure to participate in ADR in good faith can be considered by the court in awarding attorney fees. Riverside County offers low-cost community mediation through the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board. Small claims court handles assessment disputes up to $12,500 for individuals. Members may also report Davis-Stirling violations to the California Attorney General, though the AG rarely intervenes in individual HOA disputes.