Civil Code - CIV
DIVISION 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS [3274 - 9566]
( Heading of Division 4 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 16. ) PART 5. Common Interest Developments [4000 - 6150]
( Part 5 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) CHAPTER 6. Association Governance [4800 - 5450]
( Chapter 6 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) ARTICLE 5. Record Inspection [5200 - 5240]
( Article 5 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) 5235.
(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.
(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. (AB 805) Effective January 1, 2013. Operative January 1, 2014, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 180.)