Davis-Stirling Act › CHAPTER 6. Association Governance [4800 - 5450] › ARTICLE 5. Record Inspection [5200 - 5240]

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. (AB 805) Effective January 1, 2013. Operative January 1, 2014, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 180.)
Text current as of July 17, 2026, per California Legislative Information.

(a) A member may bring an action to enforce that member’s right to inspect and copy the association records. If a court finds that the association unreasonably withheld access to the association records, the court shall award the member reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, and may assess a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars ($500) for the denial of each separate written request.

(b) A cause of action under this section may be brought in small claims court if the amount of the demand does not exceed the jurisdiction of that court.

(c) A prevailing association may recover any costs if the court finds the action to be frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.

The text of the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act is provided for reference and convenience only, from the California Legislative Information website (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). It is not legal advice, and the official version of California statutes is published by the state. Statutes may have been amended after the “current as of” date shown above. Consult counsel regarding the application of any statute to your association.