{"code":"CIV","codeName":"Civil Code","section":"5235","citation":"Civ. Code, § 5235","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS [3274. - 9566.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-4"},{"name":"PART 5. Common Interest Developments [4000. - 6150.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-4/part-5"},{"name":"CHAPTER 6. Association Governance [4800. - 5450.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-4/part-5/chapter-6"},{"name":"ARTICLE 5. Record Inspection [5200. - 5240.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-4/part-5/chapter-6/article-5"}],"history":"Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2.   (AB 805)   Effective January 1, 2013.   Operative January 1, 2014, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 180.","effective":"2013-01-01","html":"<p>(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.</p><p>(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.</p><p>(c) A prevailing association may recover any costs if the court finds the action to be frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation. </p>","text":"(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.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/record-inspection-5235","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}