(a) Any contractual provision or other provision in the time-share instruments implemented after July 1, 2005, setting forth terms, conditions, and procedures for resolution of a dispute or claim between a time-share interest owner and a developer, or any provision in the time-share instruments implemented after July 1, 2005, setting forth terms, conditions, and procedures for resolution of a dispute of a claim between an association and the developer, shall, at a minimum, provide that the dispute or claim resolution process, proceeding, hearing, or trial be conducted in accordance with the following rules:

(1) For the developer to advance the fees necessary to initiate the dispute or claim resolution process, with the costs and fees, including ongoing costs and fees, if any, to be paid as agreed by the parties and if they cannot agree then the costs and fees are to be paid as determined by the person or persons presiding at the dispute or claim resolution proceeding or hearing.

(2) For a neutral or impartial person to administer and preside over the claim or dispute resolution process.

(3) For the appointment or selection, as designation, or assignment of the person to administer and preside over the claim or dispute resolution process within a specific period of time, which in no event shall be more than 60 days from initiation of the claim or dispute resolution process or hearing. The person appointed, selected, designated, or assigned to preside may be challenged for bias.

(4) For the venue of the claim or dispute resolution process to be in the county where the time-share is located unless the parties agree to some other location.

(5) For the prompt and timely commencement of the claim or dispute resolution process. When the contract provisions provide for a specific type of claim or dispute resolution process, the process shall be deemed to be promptly and timely commenced if it is to be commenced in accordance with the rules applicable to that process. If the rules do not specify a date by which the proceeding or hearing is required to commence, then commencement shall be by a date agreed upon by the parties, and if they cannot agree, a date shall be determined by the person presiding over the dispute resolution process.

(6) For the claim or dispute resolution process to be conducted in accordance with rules and procedures that are reasonable and fair to the parties.

(7) For the prompt and timely conclusion of the claim or dispute resolution process, including the issuance of any decision or ruling following the proceeding or hearing.

(8) For the person presiding at the claim or dispute resolution process to be authorized to provide all recognized remedies available in law or equity for any cause of action that is the basis of the proceeding or hearing. The parties may authorize the limitation or prohibition of punitive damages.

(b) A copy of the rules applicable to the claim or dispute resolution process shall be submitted as part of the application for a public report.

(c) If the claim or dispute resolution process provides or allows for a judicial remedy in accordance with the laws of this state, it shall be presumed that the proceeding or hearing satisfies the provisions of subdivision (a).

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 429, Sec. 11. Effective September 22, 2006. Operative January 1, 2007, by Sec. 12 of Ch. 429.)