dispute resolution process; real estate

SB 1158 creates a formal dispute resolution process for conflicts between homeowners and condominium or planned community associations in Arizona. It allows either party to file a petition with the state department for a hearing, with each petition limited to four specific complaints about violations of community rules or state laws. The bill establishes a $500 maximum civil penalty per violation and requires the filing fee (capped at superior court application fees) to be refunded if the case is dismissed before a hearing. This process does not cover disputes between owners alone or issues related to property construction/sale by developers. The hearing decisions are binding unless appealed through a rehearing process.