8
No association is free from conflict or disputes. Despite the availability of
a dispute resolution process in many associations' governing documents,
legislators across the country have been considering and, in some cases,
tasking a state agency with accepting, investigating, and rendering decisions
in community association disputes as an alternative to going to court. The
following states proposed dispute resolution alternatives:
The authority and success of these efforts vary widely across states that
have enacted them, and none are considered models for replication. However,
it does often provide owners with a less costly outlet for their complaints.
Unfortunately, many association disputes are complex and benefit from
careful judicial review before a decision is rendered. A growing number of
states will likely be motivated to introduce similar bills in the year to come.
6. DISPUTE RESOLUTION,
OMBUDSMAN OFFICES,
& AG OVERSIGHT
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
(legislation passed)
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Utah
(legislation passed)
• Washington
7
6
5
4
8
9
10
11
3
2
12
