California HOA & condo law reference
A plain-language quick reference for California boards and managers. hoa.to is jurisdiction-aware, so notices and reserve rules follow California defaults.
Governing statute
Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. Civ. Code Sections 4000-6150. Governing documents: CC&Rs (Declaration), bylaws and operating rules.
Meetings & notice
Board meeting notice: 4 day(s). Annual/membership meeting notice: per statute day(s). Open Meeting Act (Section 4900 et seq.): regular board meetings 4 days' notice; executive session 2 days'. Elections follow a layered 30-30-15 timeline with the ballot mailed at least 30 days before the deadline.
Records access
Owners may inspect records within the statutory day(s) of a written request. Sections 5200-5205 distinguish association records from enhanced association records; the association may charge actual copy/mailing cost plus capped redaction time. Confirm exact response days with counsel.
Electronic voting
Permitted. AB 2159 (effective Jan 1, 2025) allows electronic secret ballots with strict safeguards (authentication, secrecy, audit trail, device testing); members may opt out to paper. Secret double-envelope ballot (Section 5100) and independent inspector of elections (Section 5110) still apply.
Reserve studies & funding
Required — reserve study, every 3 years. Funding: disclosure only. Section 5550: visual-inspection study every 3 years plus annual review; funding status disclosed in the annual budget report (disclosure-forced, not funding-mandated).
Liens & collections
Assessment liens are permitted. Section 5660 pre-lien notice by certified mail at least 30 days before recording a lien; Section 5650 recoverable amounts; Section 5720 foreclosure limits. Post-lien notice at least 30 days before foreclosure. Recoverable amounts governed by Section 5650. California's Rosenthal Act (a mini-FDCPA) can bind the association directly.
Resale / status documents
Document: estoppel / payoff statement. Statement of amounts owing provided on resale; verify form and turnaround with counsel.