The state House of Representatives passed HB 595, an act that provides condo owners and condo associations with procedures for alternative dispute resolution and filing complaints to the Bureau of Consumer Protection when issues arise.

The House bill applies to any “unit owner in good standing.” The bill defines an owner in good standing as someone “who is current in payment of assessments and fines, unless the assessments or fines are directly related to a complaint filed with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office of Attorney General” regarding Section 3308, 3309, 3310 or 3316 of Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

The new sections regarding ADR would be between two or more unit owners or a unit owner and their unit's association. Cost and fees—except attorney fees—”shall be assessed equally against all parties to a dispute.”