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If your governing documents (declaration, bylaws, or rules) require or permit mediation/arbitration, you qualify. You also qualify if both parties agree in writing to use HOA-ADR, or if a court has ordered ADR. Most assessment disputes, lien disputes, and governing-document interpretations qualify.

For unpaid-assessment disputes, the association must have provided all notices required by the governing documents and Georgia law (the Property Owners' Association Act or Condominium Act). Evidence of compliance must be included with your filing.

Yes. The process is designed to work without lawyers. If you do plan to be represented, you must notify the other party and HOA-ADR at least 5 days before any hearing.

At minimum: contact information for both parties, the relevant mediation/arbitration provision from the governing documents, a brief statement of the dispute, and (for assessment cases) account history. Additional documents may be requested during the process.

All neutrals must have at least 5 years' experience in real estate law, property management, or HOA/condo governance, plus completion of HOA-ADR's training program. After appointment, the neutral discloses any potential conflicts. Either party may challenge the appointment within 5 days.

Mediation communications are fully confidential and may not be disclosed in any subsequent proceeding. Arbitration hearings are also confidential. The arbitrator's award itself becomes public if confirmed as a court judgment.

If you reach a settlement during arbitration, the arbitrator can — at your request — issue a "consent award" memorializing the settlement. This gives the settlement the same enforceability as any other arbitration award.

Yes. All participants — including witnesses — appear by video. Each participant should appear on camera in a professional setting with stable internet. HOA-ADR provides technical support for the video conferencing platform.

Yes. Arbitration awards are final and binding under the Georgia Arbitration Code. Either party may file for judicial confirmation, which converts the award into a court judgment that can be enforced like any other judgment.

Awards may only be challenged on the limited grounds set out in O.C.G.A. § 9-9-13 — primarily fraud, arbitrator misconduct, or the arbitrator exceeding their authority. Under our rules, any challenge must be filed within 30 days of the award.

An arbitrator may determine the validity of a lien for unpaid assessments but cannot order foreclosure. Foreclosure remains a judicial process under Georgia law. The arbitrator's findings on lien validity, however, are highly relevant to any subsequent foreclosure proceeding.

The arbitrator allocates fees and costs based on the governing documents first. If the documents are silent, the allocation is based on the outcome and the parties' conduct. So while each party pays their minimum at filing, the final allocation may shift.