Records & TransparencyWV
Getting Your HOA's Records in West Virginia
By The HOARebel Team · May 29, 2026 · 2 min read
When a West Virginia board won't explain where the money goes, the records usually hold the answer — and the statute is on the owner's side. Under the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act, W. Va. Code Ch. 36B, the association's records are something owners are entitled to examine. For your specific situation, a licensed West Virginia attorney is the right resource. This is general information, not legal advice.
The records right (§36B-3-118)
Section 36B-3-118 requires the association to keep detailed financial records and to make its records available:
"All financial and other records must be made reasonably available for examination by any unit owner and his authorized agents." — W. Va. Code §36B-3-118
Note what the standard is: records must be "reasonably available." The statute doesn't set a fixed number of days, so what's reasonable depends on the request and the records — but a board that simply refuses, or stalls indefinitely, is not meeting the standard.
This reaches older communities too
The records right isn't limited to newer communities. Under §36B-1-204, §36B-3-118 applies to preexisting communities as well, for events occurring after the Act took effect. So owners in older West Virginia HOAs generally have the same statutory records right. See Which West Virginia Laws Govern Your HOA?.
What owners commonly request
People reviewing the association's books often look at:
- The annual budget, reserves, and financial statements
- Bank statements and vendor contracts
- The declaration, bylaws, adopted rules, and any fine schedule
- Board and member meeting minutes and notices
- The current statement of any assessment or fine against the unit
Records frequently feed other disputes — questioning a fine or the assessment lien usually starts with the underlying documents.
How owners commonly proceed
Owners commonly put the request in writing (keeping a dated copy), identify the records specifically, and give the association a reasonable window to respond. If records are withheld despite the §36B-3-118 right, a licensed West Virginia attorney can advise on enforcing it.