District of Columbia Statewide Rule

D.C. Condo Meetings, Records & Non-Condo Governance (D.C. Code §§ 42-1903.03, 42-1903.14)

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

Key Facts

Open meetings: D.C. Code § 42-1903.03 (open to owners in good standing)
Notice: 21 days (annual/regular) / 7 days (other)
Records access: D.C. Code § 42-1903.14 (books, finances, member lists)
Audit right: Owners with 33 1/3% of votes may demand audit
Non-condo HOAs: D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act, Title 29

Last verified: June 27, 2026Source: D.C. Official Code §§ 42-1903.03, 42-1903.14

Summary

The D.C. Condominium Act requires open meetings and broad owner access to records for condominium associations. D.C. has no general non-condo HOA act, so a standalone HOA's board procedures are set by its declaration and the D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act (Title 29).

The bylaws shall specify an officer who shall, at least 21 days in advance of any annual or regularly scheduled meeting, and at least 7 days in advance of any other meeting, send to each unit owner notice of the time, place, and purposes of the meeting.

Source: D.C. Official Code §§ 42-1903.03, 42-1903.14View official code

Full Breakdown

Under D.C. Code § 42-1903.03, all meetings of the condominium unit owners' association, its committees, and the executive board 'shall be open for observation to all unit owners in good standing.' Notice of time, place, and purpose must be given at least 21 days before annual or regularly scheduled meetings and at least 7 days before other meetings. Section 42-1903.14 requires the association to keep detailed financial records and let owners in good standing examine and copy books, financial records, and membership lists during reasonable business hours within 50 miles of D.C.; owners holding 33 1/3% of votes may demand an audit. Some records (personnel, litigation, executive session minutes) may be withheld. Non-condo HOAs follow their declaration and the D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act (Title 29).

Violations & Penalties

An association that closes meetings to owners or refuses records access contrary to §§ 42-1903.03 and 42-1903.14 can be challenged by owners; no specific statutory penalty, but owners may sue to compel compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are D.C. condo board meetings open to owners?

Yes. Section 42-1903.03 requires that all meetings of the association, its committees, and the executive board be open for observation to all unit owners in good standing, with advance notice of time, place, and purpose.

Can I inspect my D.C. condo association's records?

Yes. Under § 42-1903.14 an owner in good standing may examine and copy books, financial records, and membership lists during reasonable business hours within 50 miles of D.C., though some records (personnel, litigation, executive session) may be withheld.

What governs board procedures for a non-condo HOA in D.C.?

D.C. has no comprehensive non-condo HOA statute. A standalone HOA's meetings, elections, notice, and officer authority are governed by its declaration and the D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act (Title 29).

Sources

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