Overview Disputes between California homeowners and their HOAs can be resolved in several different ways. Some conflicts can be addressed informally through Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR), while others must go through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before a...
Overview Civil Code 5930 requires an offer of Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR), typically mediation, before certain HOA enforcement lawsuits are filed. ADR is legally required only in defined situations, and is therefore optional in all others. Regardless, ADR is...
Overview California homeowners facing disputes with their HOA sometimes have a choice: file in small claims court or bring a case in superior court (i.e., a “normal” lawsuit). Each forum has strict limits on what types of cases it can handle. Small claims court is...
TRIGGER WARNING FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER TO MY READERS: I wrote this article more than two weeks before the tragic and horrifying events of September 10, 2025, in which Charlie Kirk was murdered. We are deeply saddened and outraged by this cowardly act of...
Overview Can California HOAs block ADUs? The short answer is no. California law, especially Civil Code 4751, prohibits associations from adopting or enforcing rules that unreasonably restrict Accessory Dwelling Units (“ADUs”) or Junior ADUs. While limited California...
Overview Homeowners can recover attorney’s fees in California HOA lawsuits when they prevail in an enforcement action under Civil Code 5975(c). Attorney’s fees under Civil Code 5975 in HOA disputes are fee-shifting, awarding reasonable fees to the prevailing party....
