California · Civil Code

CIV §5235: (a) A member may bring an action to enforce that member’s right to inspect and copy the association records.

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(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.

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