Dispute Resolution
Voluntary Mediation Program
The City of Mountain View continues to provide a voluntary Mediation Program, for any disputes in the community. Rather than putting a dispute in the hands of a judge who has limited knowledge of the people and the situation, mediation allows disputing parties to explore all of the possibilities, after hearing each other's views, and to choose a mutually acceptable outcome for themselves. For those who have agreed to participate in mediation, the program has helped them to reach a satisfactory resolution over 70% of the time.
Mediation involves a confidential meeting between parties who have a disagreement, facilitated by trained, neutral mediators who guide a discussion of issues toward a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator does not give legal advice, voice opinions or decide who is wrong or right, but is rather a facilitator of dialogue.
EXAMPLES OF MEDIATION CASES:
- A noise issue between two tenants
- A return of a security deposit disagreement between a tenant and a landlord
- A neighbor's dog barks late into the night and has caused damage to common fence
- A couple has a dispute with a local merchant regarding a purchased product or services
- An employee at a local company has an ongoing personality conflict with a co-worker
- A consultant claims a business owes her additional fees for work performed on a project
- A roommate wants to move out of a shared apartment
Project Sentinel can be reached at (650) 960-0495 or mediate4mv@housing.org
BECOME A VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR:
The City of Mountain View annually recruits and trains volunteers from the community to become mediators for the program. Volunteer mediators are your neighbors and peers from all professions and backgrounds. If you are interested in becoming a mediator or learning more about the training, please call (650) 960-0495 or email mediate4mv@housing.org.
Rental Housing Dispute Resolution Program
On June 13, 2017 the City Council adopted an Ordinance repealing the Right-To-Lease Ordinance and the Rental Housing Dispute Resolution Program (Mountain View City Code Sections 43.1-43.6 and 43.20-43.32). This went into effect on July 13, 2017. After the adoption of these ordinances, the voters approved an amendment to the City Charter entitled the Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (“CSFRA”) on November 8, 2016. The Right to Lease Ordinance and the Rental Housing Dispute Resolution Program are superseded by the CSFRA.