Condominium and HOA records access in California

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California
Who may requestMembers and anyone they designate in writing
Deadline10 business days; 30 days for older records
FeesActual cost; no dollar cap
ComplaintsSmall claims or superior court; no state agency
PenaltyUp to $500 per refused request, plus attorney's fees
CountryUnited States
Checked against official textOctober 30, 2026

In California, the law sets who may see the records of an association, how quickly they must be provided, what may be charged for them, and where an owner can complain.[1][2][3] This summary was checked against the official text on October 30, 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check the official text in the references before relying on it.

Who may request records

Members and anyone they designate in writing.

Deadlines

10 business days; 30 days for the two prior years.

Fees

CertificateResale package at actual cost; no dollar cap
Other documentsCopying cost; redaction $10 an hour, $200 max

Complaints and penalties

Where to complainSmall claims or superior court; no state agency
Penalty for not complyingUp to $500 per refused request, plus attorney's fees

References

  1. California Civil Code s.4100 (definition of CID).
  2. Civil Code s.4525 (seller's disclosure documents).
  3. Civil Code s.4528 (Charges for Documents form).
  4. Civil Code s.4530 (association delivery, fees, bundling).
  5. Civil Code ss.4540, 4545 (penalty; title validity).
  6. Civil Code s.4950 (minutes).
  7. Civil Code s.5200 (association records).
  8. Civil Code s.5205 (inspection, copying, fees).
  9. Civil Code s.5210 (time periods).
  10. Civil Code s.5215 (withholding and redaction).
  11. Civil Code ss.5220, 5225 (opt-out; membership list purpose).
  12. Civil Code s.5230 (use of records; personal information).
  13. Civil Code s.5235 (enforcement; $500 penalty).
  14. Civil Code s.5240 (application).
  15. Civil Code ss.5300, 5305, 5320 (annual reports).
  16. Civil Code ss.5550, 5551, 5560, 5565 (reserve study; balcony inspections).
  17. Civil Code s.5600 (fee limit).
  18. Civil Code ss.5925, 5930 (ADR).
  19. Code of Civil Procedure s.116.221 (small claims $12,500).
  20. Leginfo, Civil Code ss.4525, 5200, 5230, 5235 (current text and history notes), read in a browser by Claude on 2026-10-30.
  21. Leginfo, Corporations Code s.8330 (membership list).
  22. Leginfo, AB 739 (2025-2026), chaptered text, Stats. 2026, ch. 506.
  23. Leginfo, AB 2050 (2025-2026), chaptered text, Stats. 2026, ch. 796.
  24. Leginfo, bill histories for AB 1184, SB 1238 and AB 2439 (2025-2026).
  25. Leginfo, AB 104 (Lowenthal, 2003-2004), chaptered text, Stats. 2003, ch. 375 (original s.1365.2(d)(1)), and its analyses: Senate Judiciary Committee (hearings June 17 and July 1, 2003), Senate floor (July 9, 2003), Assembly concurrence (August 27, 2003).
  26. Leginfo, AB 1098 (Jones, 2005-2006), chaptered text, Stats. 2005, ch. 458 (s.1365.2(e)), version history, and analyses: Senate Transportation and Housing (June 2005), Senate floor (September 3, 2005), Assembly concurrence (September 8, 2005).
  27. Leginfo, Corporations Code ss.8330, 8331, 8333, 8336, 8338 (nonprofit mutual benefit inspection and member-list rules).
  28. Leginfo, Civil Code s.4515 (members' right to communicate; amended by AB 1410, Stats. 2022, ch. 858).
  29. Leginfo, Code of Civil Procedure ss.425.16 (amended by SB 577, Stats. 2024, ch. 444) and 425.17.
  30. Tract No. 7260 Assn. v. Parker (2017) 10 Cal.App.5th 24 (B271111).
  31. WorldMark, The Club v. Wyndham Resort Development Corp. (2010) 187 Cal.App.4th 1017 (C061019).
  32. Artus v. Gramercy Towers Condominium Assn. (2018) (A147297).
  33. Damon v. Ocean Hills Journalism Club (2000) 85 Cal.App.4th 468 (D034890).
  34. Dubac v. Itkoff (2024) (B317061, certified for publication).
  35. FilmOn.com Inc. v. DoubleVerify Inc. (2019) 7 Cal.5th 133 (S244157).
  36. Barrett v. Rosenthal (2006) 40 Cal.4th 33, fn. 4 (S122953).
  37. Ketchum v. Moses (2001) 24 Cal.4th 1122 (S077350).

See also: records law in other jurisdictions.