Homeowners living in a community association often ask a simple but important question: what is my HOA actually doing with my money? Whether concerns arise from rising assessments, special projects, or general curiosity, owners have a legitimate interest in understanding how their association operates. Transparency is not just a best practice, it is a legal right.
Both HOAs and condominium associations are required to maintain records and, in most cases, provide access to those records upon request. Knowing what documents you are entitled to inspect, and how to request them, can help you stay informed and hold your association accountable.
Why HOA Transparency Matters
HOAs and condominium associations manage shared property and collect assessments from owners to fund maintenance, repairs, insurance, and other community expenses. Because these funds come directly from homeowners, transparency is critical to maintaining trust and preventing waste and corruption.
Access to records allows homeowners to verify how assessments are being spent, review contracts with vendors and service providers, understand decisions made by the board, and identify potential mismanagement or conflicts of interest
When associations are open about their operations, disputes are less likely to escalate. When access is denied, however, tensions can rise quickly. Too often the denial of access indicates the board has something to hide.
What HOA Records Can You Request?
Although the exact scope of accessible records varies by jurisdiction and governing documents, most laws allow homeowners to inspect a broad range of association records.
Commonly requested records include financial documents such as annual budgets, balance sheets, reserve studies, and bank statements. Owners may also request signed contracts with vendors, management agreements, insurance policies, and invoices for major expenses. Meeting minutes from board and membership meetings are another frequent request, as they provide insight into decisions affecting the community.
Some records are typically restricted, such as attorney-client privileged communications, personnel records, or information about other owners’ private accounts. Even where access is allowed, associations may impose reasonable rules regarding the timing, location, and format of inspection.
Maryland HOA and Condo Document Inspection Laws
Maryland law provides clear rights for homeowners to inspect association records, although the specific statutes differ for homeowners associations and condominium communities.
For HOAs, Maryland Code, Real Property § 11B-112, part of the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, states that associations must maintain books and records and make them available for inspection by lot owners or their authorized representatives. The statute allows owners to review financial records and other official documents, subject to reasonable rules established by the association. You can review the statute here:
https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/real-property/title-11b/section-11b-112/
There are a few types of documents that may be withheld from homeowner inspection:
Books and records kept by or on behalf of a homeowners association may be withheld from public inspection, except for inspection by the person who is the subject of the record or the person’s designee or guardian, to the extent that they concern: (i) Personnel records, not including information on individual salaries, wages, bonuses, and other compensation paid to employees;(ii) An individual’s medical records;(iii) An individual’s personal financial records, including assets, income, liabilities, net worth, bank balances, financial history or activities, and creditworthiness;(iv) Records relating to business transactions that are currently in negotiation;(v) The written advice of legal counsel; or(vi) Minutes of a closed meeting of the governing body of the homeowners association, unless a majority of a quorum of the governing body of the homeowners association that held the meeting approves unsealing the minutes or a recording of the minutes for public inspection.
Boards may not avoid disclosure by simply declaring the information “confidential” or by conducting all board business in a private session. If you come accross such behavior that is a major red flag.
For condominium associations, the Maryland Condominium Act contains similar provisions. Maryland Real Property § 11-116 requires condominium councils of unit owners to maintain records and make them available for examination by unit owners during reasonable hours. You can review that statute here: https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/real-property/title-11/section-11-116/
Maryland law generally allows associations to charge reasonable copying fees and to establish procedures for document requests. However, associations cannot unreasonably withhold access to records that owners are entitled to review.
In practice, Maryland homeowners should submit requests in writing and clearly identify the documents they wish to inspect. Keeping requests specific and reasonable increases the likelihood of a timely response.
Washington, DC Condo and HOA Record Access Laws
The District of Columbia has its own legal framework governing community associations, particularly for condominium associations.
Under the DC Condominium Act, associations are required to maintain detailed records and make them available to unit owners. The law provides that owners have the right to inspect books and records of the association at reasonable times, subject to certain limitations. The relevant statute can be found here: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-1903.14
This section requires associations to keep financial records, meeting minutes, and other official documents, and to make them reasonably available to owners. As in Maryland, certain records may be withheld, including privileged legal communications or sensitive personal information.
For homeowners associations in DC that are not organized as condominiums, record access rights are often governed by a combination of corporate law and the association’s governing documents. Many associations are organized as nonprofit corporations, which means owners may have inspection rights under DC nonprofit corporation statutes. The DC Nonprofit Corporation Act provides additional guidance on record inspection rights: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/29-413.02
These laws generally allow members of a nonprofit corporation to inspect certain records, provided the request is made in good faith and for a proper purpose.
How to Make an Effective HOA Document Request
Submitting a clear and professional request can make a significant difference in how quickly and completely an association responds. Requests should typically be made in writing and directed to the association’s board or management company.
It is helpful to identify the specific records you are seeking and the time period involved. Broad or vague requests may lead to delays or partial responses. Stating a reasonable purpose for the request, such as reviewing the annual budget or understanding a recent assessment increase, can also help demonstrate good faith.
Associations are generally allowed to set reasonable rules for inspection, such as scheduling appointments or providing documents electronically. Being flexible and cooperative can help avoid unnecessary conflict.
What to Do If Your HOA Denies Access
If an association refuses to provide records that you believe you are entitled to inspect, there are several possible next steps. The first step is often to follow up with a more detailed written request referencing the applicable statute. Sometimes a denial is the result of misunderstanding or incomplete communication.
If the issue is not resolved, homeowners may consider filing a complaint with a state or local agency, if one exists, or seeking legal advice. In some cases, courts can order an association to provide access to records if it has violated applicable laws.
It is important to approach these situations carefully. While homeowners have rights, disputes can escalate quickly if communication breaks down.
Transparency is a cornerstone of effective community governance. Homeowners have a right to understand how their association operates, how decisions are made, and how funds are used.
Both Maryland and DC provide statutory frameworks that support these rights, although the details vary depending on the type of association. By understanding these laws and making informed requests, homeowners can play an active role in their communities and help ensure that their associations operate fairly and responsibly.
If your HOA has developed a habit of denying your or your neighbors’ document requests, consider booking a consultation to see how we can help you resolve your community’s governing issues.
