Cal. Civ. Code §5930
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Alternative dispute resolution — Prerequisite to enforcement action
Before filing certain enforcement actions in superior court, an association or member must endeavor to submit the dispute to alternative dispute resolution. Applies only to actions for declaratory, injunctive, or writ relief (with limited monetary relief). Does not apply to small claims actions or assessment disputes. The companion §5950 imposes the procedural certificate requirement when the action is filed.
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Statutory Text
Verified Aug 5, 2026 · CA_LEG_INFO
Civil Code - CIV DIVISION 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS [3274 - 9566] ( Heading of Division 4 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 16. ) PART 5. Common Interest Developments [4000 - 6150] ( Part 5 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) CHAPTER 10. Dispute Resolution and Enforcement [5850 - 5986] ( Chapter 10 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) ARTICLE 3. Alternative Dispute Resolution Prerequisite to Civil Action [5925 - 5965] ( Article 3 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) 5930. (a) An association or a member may not file an enforcement action in the superior court unless the parties have endeavored to submit their dispute to alternative dispute resolution pursuant to this article. (b) This section applies only to an enforcement action that is solely for declaratory, injunctive, or writ relief, or for that relief in conjunction with a claim for monetary damages not in excess of the jurisdictional limits stated in Sections 116.220 and 116.221 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (c) This section does not apply to a small claims action. (d) Except as otherwise provided by law, this section does not apply to an assessment dispute. (Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. (AB 805) Effective January 1, 2013. Operative January 1, 2014, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 180.)
Governance
| Ref | Requirement |
|---|---|
| (a) | Before suing — whether you're the HOA or an owner — you must first offer alternative dispute resolution (typically mediation). Skipping this step is a defense to the lawsuit. |
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Legal references last verified July 4, 2026.
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