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.
Topanga, CA
Garage conversions to ADUs in unincorporated Topanga are governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 and California Government Code §65852.2. No replacem...
Topanga, CA
Topanga is an unincorporated CDP in Los Angeles County governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwellin...
Los Angeles County, CA
The 2022 LA County Curb Management Strategy prioritizes pickup and dropoff over parking and loading in commercial corridors. DPW retrofits curb zones using a...
Los Angeles County, CA
LA County Code Title 12.84 bans expanded polystyrene takeout containers at unincorporated-area food businesses. California AB-1201 sets ASTM compostability l...
Los Angeles County, CA
LA County Code Title 12.84 (Ord. 2008-0006) bans expanded polystyrene foam cups at all county facilities and food vendors operating on county property. Calif...
Los Angeles County, CA
California AB-1276 prohibits restaurants and food vendors from automatically providing single-use foodware accessories. Utensils, straws, condiments, and sti...
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 Topanga'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.