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Before bringing or defending an enforcement action filed in court involving an HOA, ask, does your state first require ADR or that a request for ADR be made?

3/12/19

By: Michael Shepherd

As courts across the country become more congested, many courts now order the parties to participate in some form of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or non-binding arbitration. When it comes to Homeowners Associations, many state legislatures have taken the affirmative step of requiring HOAs or owners bringing an enforcement action to at least request ADR before filing a lawsuit in court.
It is important to carefully examine your state’s laws to see (1) whether ADR or a request for ADR is required and (2) under what circumstances. For example, California only requires a request for ADR in civil actions that (1) solely seek declaratory, injunctive, or writ relief; (2) solely seek declaratory, injunctive, or writ relief in conjunction with monetary damages not in excess of the limits for small claims actions; and (3) seek to foreclose on an owner’s interest. Cal. Civil Code §§ 5930(b) and 5705. Moreover, a request for ADR is not required in California if the action is filed in small claims court or if preliminary or injunctive relief is necessary. Cal. Civil Code §§ 5930(c) and 5950(a)(3).
In California, the Davis-Sterling Act prevents associations or owners from filing an enforcement action in court before the parties have attempted to submit their dispute to ADR. An enforcement action is defined as a civil action brought to enforce the Davis-Sterling Act, to enforce the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law, or to enforce the governing documents of the HOA. Cal. Civil Code § 5925(b). ADR can take the form of mediation, arbitration, conciliation, or any other nonjudicial procedure that involves a neutral party in the decision-making process. While there is no requirement that the parties participate in ADR, a party’s unreasonable refusal to participate in ADR may be considered when attorney’s fees and costs are recoverable. Cal. Civil Code § 5960. Furthermore, the parties must file a certificate of compliance with the civil action stating that ADR was requested or that a request is not required under the circumstances. Failure to file the certificate of compliance exposes the complaint to a demurrer or a motion to strike.
In today’s world of congested courts, it is important to be apprised of when ADR is required as it is often implemented as a way to relieve court dockets. This is just as true in enforcement actions involving HOAs. Therefore, before bringing or defending an enforcement action involving an HOA, be sure to learn whether your state requires ADR or a request for ADR.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Michael Shepherd at mshepherd@fmglaw.com.