Dispute Resolution Policy

This Dispute Resolution Policy applies to all disputes arising from the use of the Victorian Condominiums platform, including but not limited to:

• Property listing disputes
• Payment and transaction disputes
• User conduct violations
• Contractual disagreements
• Service delivery issues

Before initiating formal dispute resolution, parties must attempt to resolve the dispute through direct negotiation.

• Contact the other party using the platform's messaging system or provided contact information.
• Clearly state the nature of the dispute and desired resolution.
• Allow 14 days for the other party to respond.
• Document all communication attempts.

If negotiation fails, the parties agree to submit the dispute to mediation administered by the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) or another accredited mediation center.

• Either party may request mediation by filing a Notice of Mediation.
• Mediation sessions shall be held in Lagos, Nigeria (or virtually by agreement).
• The mediator shall be neutral and agreed upon by both parties.
• Mediation must be completed within 30 days of the request.
• Any settlement reached shall be reduced to a written agreement.

If mediation fails, the dispute shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023.

• The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties.
• If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator within 14 days, either party may request the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Nigeria to appoint one.
• The arbitration shall take place in Lagos, Nigeria.
• The language of the arbitration shall be English.
• The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
• Either party may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of the award.

Either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief from Nigerian courts to prevent irreparable harm. Legal action for monetary damages is available only after arbitration is completed.

• Legal action shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Lagos State, Nigeria.
• The prevailing party may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
• Any judgment obtained may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction.

To initiate the dispute resolution process, follow these steps:

• Acknowledgment: The Platform will acknowledge receipt of a dispute within 3 business days.
• Initial Response: A substantive response will be provided within 10 business days.
• Investigation: Complex disputes may require up to 30 days for investigation.
• Resolution: Most disputes are resolved within 45 days of filing.
• Both parties must respond to all communications within 5 business days.

When filing a dispute, the following evidence is recommended:

• Screenshots of relevant messages and communications
• Payment receipts and transaction records
• Property listing details (for property disputes)
• Contract or agreement copies
• Timeline of events
• Names and contact information of involved parties

• Negotiation: No cost to either party.
• Mediation: Shared equally between parties (typically ₦50,000 - ₦150,000 total).
• Arbitration: Shared equally between parties (typically ₦200,000 - ₦500,000 total).
• Legal Action: Each party bears its own legal fees unless the court orders otherwise.
• The Platform may waive fees in cases of proven financial hardship.

• Arbitration awards may be enforced through any court of competent jurisdiction.
• The Platform reserves the right to suspend accounts of parties who fail to comply with dispute resolutions.
• Non-compliant parties may be reported to relevant authorities.
• Enforcement costs may be recovered from the non-compliant party.