Section 5235.
Cal. Civil Code - CIV § 5235.
in effect(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: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026