California — Official Statutory and Agency Sources

Last reviewed: June 3, 2026 · Methodology

Not legal advice. California common interest developments are governed primarily by Civil Code Division 4, Part 5 (the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act). Read the linked sections on the Legislative Information site.

Statutory framework

Governance & meetings

Board meeting notice and open meetings

Civil Code § 5510 — Notice of board meetings; open meeting requirements.

Member meetings and elections

Civil Code § 5500 — Member meetings; election procedures (see related sections in Part 5).

Records inspection

Association records — definitions

Civil Code § 5200 — Definitions for record inspection (Article 5).

Member access to association records

Civil Code § 5210 — Availability of association records for member inspection.

Inspection procedures and time limits

Civil Code § 5230 — Inspection and copying of records; time limits.

Fines & discipline

Imposition of monetary penalties

Civil Code § 5850 — Monetary penalties; notice; hearing requirements.

Notice of monetary penalty

Civil Code § 5855 — Notice of monetary penalty to member.

Assessments & liens

Lien for delinquent assessments

Civil Code § 5660 — Lien for delinquent assessments.

Collection actions

Civil Code § 5705 — Assessment collection; payment plans (see section text).

State agency

Department of Real Estate — common interest developments

California Department of Real Estate public information on common interest developments.

Federal sources · ← All states