Board meetings
Civil Code § 4900 et seq.
The Open Meeting Act covers notice, agendas, executive sessions, and owners' right to attend and speak at board meetings.
California Civil Code §§ 4000–6150
California HOA Law
Davis-Stirling Act
Most California HOAs and condominium associations are governed by the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. It sets the rules for how boards meet, how assessments are levied and collected, what records owners can inspect, and how disputes must be handled before anyone goes to court.
Open the California assistantKey topics
Where to find the rules that come up most often for California homeowners and boards.
Elections
Civil Code § 5100 et seq.
Rules for secret-ballot elections, inspectors of elections, candidate qualifications, and election timelines.
Association records
Civil Code § 5200 et seq.
Which records owners may inspect or copy, response deadlines, and what an association may redact or withhold.
Budgets and reserves
Civil Code §§ 5300, 5550
Annual budget report contents and the periodic reserve study that funds long-term repairs.
Assessments and collection
Civil Code § 5600 et seq.
Limits on assessment increases, late charges, liens, and the steps required before collection or foreclosure.
Fines and discipline
Civil Code § 5855
Notice and hearing an owner must receive before the board imposes a fine or other penalty.
Internal dispute resolution
Civil Code § 5900 et seq.
The meet-and-confer process associations must offer owners for resolving disputes.
Alternative dispute resolution
Civil Code § 5925 et seq.
Pre-filing ADR requirements that apply to many enforcement lawsuits between owners and associations.
Architectural review
Civil Code § 4765
Requirements for fair, written decisions on owner applications for physical changes, including the right to reconsideration.
California FAQ
It generally applies to common interest developments in California — including planned developments, condominiums, stock cooperatives, and community apartment projects. Commercial and mixed-use developments are covered by a separate act. Your governing documents and the development's recorded declaration determine the details.
Yes. Civil Code § 5200 and the sections that follow give members the right to inspect and copy many association records, such as financial statements, budgets, minutes, and contracts, within set timeframes. Some information, like certain personnel and privileged records, may be withheld or redacted.
Under Civil Code § 5855, the board must give the member written notice and an opportunity for a hearing before imposing a fine or other discipline. Ask the AI assistant to walk through the notice and timing requirements for your situation.
This page is general information about California law, not legal advice. Statutes change; confirm current text with the official code and consult a licensed attorney about your situation.