Mediation Program
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office offers no-cost voluntary mediation through its Consumer, Environmental and Worker Protection Division. The program is made available to all consumers and businesses located in or doing business in Alameda County. The program is intended to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses that might otherwise be adjudicated in small claims court. The program is not intended to provide mediation for disputes that are already filed in a court of law, but to avoid litigation through pre-filing dispute resolution. The program is also not intended to address disputes between businesses.
Typical areas of disputes that will be accepted for potential mediation include: false advertising claims, overcharges/overbilling, neighbor issues, online sales, warranties, auto repair, and property encroachment. The mediation program reserves the right to make a final eligibility and/or suitability determination.
The mediation unit will not accept landlord-tenant issues including, but not limited to, rent control, lease disputes, rent increases, evictions and repair/habitability issues. We will accept security deposit disputes as they are post-tenancy.
Resources & FAQs
What is the Mediation Process?
Our mediation process is a form of alternative dispute resolution which is handled by a trained and experienced mediator. The District Attorney’s Office does not represent or advocate on behalf of any participant, consumer or business. The mediator is a neutral party who will attempt to assist the parties in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution to their dispute(s). The process is entirely voluntary which means that both sides to the dispute must agree to participate. The mediation unit cannot and will not compel participation by any party. That being said, once the parties agree to mediation they are expected to actively participate and cooperate with the mediation process.
The mediation process begins with one party requesting mediation by filling out a mediation request form. The form can be submitted by completing the online form using this link or downloading the form in that link and sending the completed form to askcepd-da@acgov.org. Alternatively, you may request a fillable form be sent to you by emailing askcepd-da@acgov.org. Each field on the form should be filled out as completely and in as much detail as possible including attaching any relevant documentation. Failure to do so may delay your mediation request.
Upon receipt of your completed mediation request, it will be reviewed for eligibility and suitability for our mediation process. If accepted, a mediator will reach out to the party seeking mediation and explain next steps including contacting the other party to determined if they will voluntarily agree to participate in the mediation process. If they will not agree, we will close the request and attempt to direct the requesting party to alternative resources that may assist them further. If the mediation request is determined to not be eligible and/or suitable for the mediation program, our mediator will still attempt to direct the requesting party to alternative resources that may assist them further including other local, state, and federal agencies.
How Do I file a Complaint?
- Complete the complaint form online.
- Download the complaint form and email to askcepd-da@acgov.org
- Call for a complaint form: (510) 383-8600
- Drop by our office at Oakport Street