WA state condo, want to inspect financials but board says I have to pay

Doug,

Typically, an Association may charge a reasonable fee for inspection or copies including the cost of labor. This is even stated in RCW 64.38.045 [emphasis added]:

The association may impose and collect a reasonable charge for copies and any reasonable costs incurred by the association in providing access to records.

It does take time for someone at the MC to pull the documents you desire, perhaps sit there while you review them, etc.

The MC is in South Carolina and the HOA is in Washington. I have to assume that being completely across country, the MC would email the financials to the Board. From experience it would take me 15 minutes to compile what I think you are looking for.

Then I refer you to the WASHINGTON NONPROFIT CORPORATION ACT, applicable if your Association is incorporated as a nonprofit (most are, but check to be sure). Per RCW 24.03.135 [emphasis added]:

Required documents in the form of a record—Inspection—Copying.
Each corporation shall keep at its registered office, its principal office in this state, or at its secretary's office if in this state, the following documents in the form of a record:
(1) Current articles and bylaws;
(2) A list of members, including names, addresses, and classes of membership, if any;
(3) Correct and adequate statements of accounts and finances;
(4) A list of officers' and directors' names and addresses;
(5) Minutes of the proceedings of the members, if any, the board, and any minutes which may be maintained by committees of the board.
The corporate records shall be open at any reasonable time to inspection by any member of more than three months standing or a representative of more than five percent of the membership.
Cost of inspecting or copying shall be borne by such member except for costs for copies of articles or bylaws. Any such member must have a purpose for inspection reasonably related to membership interests. Use or sale of members' lists by such member if obtained by inspection is prohibited.
The superior court of the corporation's or such member's residence may order inspection and may appoint independent inspectors. Such member shall pay inspection costs unless the court orders otherwise.

Again, it costs money for someone to pull the records, review them, redact privacy information, perhaps sit with you while you review.

I would ask that the costs be itemized. This way you can see if such charges are reasonable or not.

The above quote is RCW 64.34.372

Did you, DougM, request all records for the past 6 months? Or just certain ones? I see you're in a condo HOA and if they're elevator buildings with other mechanical equipment, too, there can be a lot of materials to be compiled.

So....exactly what materials are you requesting?

Reminds me: did you also ask the MC to compile materials that are now separate? For example, did you ask to see what the average water usage is over 6 months?

Perhaps you can refine your request.

Doug

A blanket request for "all financials" is out of line and often considered witch hunt. As an example, delinquent lists, payment arrangements, etc. are private. Other transactions might also be, meaning someone is going to have to take the time (money) to edit/redact them thus there will be a cost involved.

If you narrow your requests, they may be met quicker and with less cost.