Getting Your Maryland HOA's Records

The Maryland Homeowners Association Act gives owners a right to the association's books — and unlike many states, it puts that right on a clock. For your specific situation, a licensed Maryland attorney is the right resource. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can I see my HOA's books and records in Maryland?

Yes. Under Md. Real Property § 11B-112, a Maryland association's books and records must be made available for examination or copying by lot owners, mortgagees, or their authorized representatives during normal business hours and on reasonable notice. The right covers records kept by or on behalf of the association, including books a management company holds.

Under §11B-112, the association's books and records must "be made available for examination or copying" by lot owners, mortgagees, or their authorized representatives during normal business hours and on reasonable notice. The right covers the records "kept by or on behalf of" the association — so a management company holding the books cannot be used to put them out of reach.

How long does a Maryland HOA have to provide records?

It depends on the record. Under Md. Real Property § 11B-112, requested financial statements and minutes are due within 21 days if prepared within the past three years, or 45 days if older. Books and records must first be made available within 15 business days after the developer conveys a lot and the owner asks.

What sets Maryland apart is that the statute attaches deadlines, not just a general "reasonable time" standard:

• After the developer's sale — books and records must first be made available within 15 business days after a lot is conveyed by the declarant (the developer) and the owner asks to examine or copy them.
• Financial statements and minutes — when requested, these are due within 21 days if they were prepared within the past three years, or 45 days if older.

Those windows give an owner a concrete benchmark when a board stalls.

Can a Maryland HOA charge for copies of records?

Yes, reasonable copying costs. Under Md. Real Property § 11B-112(b), a copying charge may not exceed the limits in Title 7, Subtitle 2 of the Courts Article. Since October 1, 2025, a lot owner may not be charged for examining the financial statements in person where they are kept, unless they are in a depository, or for receiving them electronically.

The association may charge reasonable copying costs, but the statute keeps the basic right affordable. Since October 1, 2025, a lot owner "may not be charged for" examining the association's financial statements in person where they are kept (unless they are in a depository) or for receiving the financial statements by electronic transmission. A charge for copying may not exceed the limits set in Title 7, Subtitle 2 of the Courts Article (§11B-112(b)).

What records can a Maryland HOA withhold?

Only a defined set. Under Md. Real Property § 11B-112, a Maryland association may withhold personnel records (though salary information is generally not shielded), medical records, individual owners' personal financial records, business negotiations in progress, the written advice of legal counsel, and closed meeting minutes unless unsealed by a board vote. These exceptions do not authorize a blanket refusal.

§11B-112 lets the association withhold a defined set of sensitive records:

• Personnel records — though salary information is generally not shielded
• Medical records
• Personal financial records of individual owners
• Business negotiations in progress
• The written advice of legal counsel
• Closed meeting minutes, unless unsealed by a vote of the board

These exceptions are specific; they do not authorize a blanket refusal.

What owners commonly request

People reviewing the association's books often look at:

• Annual budgets, reserve studies, and financial statements
• Bank statements, vendor contracts, and bids
• The declaration, bylaws, adopted rules, and any fine schedule
• Board and member meeting minutes and notices
• Assessment ledgers and lien notices for the lot

Records frequently feed other disputes — questioning a fine or the assessment lien usually starts with the underlying documents.

For the recorded documents themselves

The recorded declaration and amendments are also available from the county land records (Circuit Court Clerk), and many are searchable through the Maryland Land Records online system. Because the recorded declaration created the community and its assessment obligations, it is often the first document owners obtain.

If records are withheld

Owners commonly put requests in writing, cite §11B-112 and the applicable deadline, identify the records specifically, and keep a copy of the request and response. Under §11B-115(c), "[a] violation of this title shall be within the scope of the enforcement duties and powers of the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General." If a refusal appears unjustified, a licensed Maryland attorney can explain the available remedies.

Sources

• Md. Real Property §11B-112 — Books and records
• Md. Real Property §11B-115 — Consumer protection; enforcement