Civil Code section 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.

Source: Section 5235, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=5235.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2013; accessed Jun. 9, 2025).

Last Updated

Jan. 1, 2013

§ 5235’s source at ca​.gov