Jonathan LopezBuying a Woodland Hills Condo: What HOA Documents Must the Seller Give Me?
Buying a condo in Woodland Hills means buying into an association, and California law gives buyers a list of documents to see before they are committed.
What the law requires
Under Civil Code section 4525, the owner of a separate interest must give a prospective buyer the association's governing documents (or a statement that it is unincorporated), the most recent financial documents the association distributes under the Davis-Stirling Act, and a written statement of current regular and special assessments and fees, unpaid assessments, and unpaid fines, late charges, interest and collection costs. The package also includes any unresolved violation notices, the initial construction defects list and latest update where applicable, any board-approved assessment changes not yet due, a description of any provision prohibiting renting, and the most recent report on inspections of elevated common areas. Board meeting minutes from the past 12 months, excluding executive sessions, must be provided if the buyer asks. The section was amended effective January 1, 2026, so confirm the current text for your transaction.
Why read all of it
The assessment statement tells you what you will owe and whether anything is unpaid on the unit. The minutes show what the board is actually discussing, such as repairs, disputes, or a planned special assessment. The rental statement matters if you may ever want to rent the unit out.
What dues can look like
Redfin's Woodland Hills condos page shows 40 condos for sale and a median listing price of $500K. The one listing on that page that displayed an HOA fee, 21620 Burbank Blvd #9, showed $780 a month, which is $9,360 a year. One listing is not a market average, and the page gives no date for its snapshot, so treat it only as an example of how large dues can be. Your lender will count dues in your monthly obligations, so ask for the actual figure early.
What I would do
Ask for the full document package right away, read the assessment statement and minutes yourself, and have your agent flag anything unusual before your contingency period ends. This is general information, not legal advice. A free walkthrough of the documents on any Woodland Hills condo you are considering is available from me.
Related reading: my first-time buyers guide.
This is general information, not tax, legal or investment advice. Figures are averages or examples and may not apply to a specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents does the seller have to provide on a California condo?
Civil Code section 4525 lists them: governing documents, the assessment statement, violation notices, approved assessment changes, a rental-prohibition description if one exists, and more. Minutes from the past 12 months are included on request.
What is the most important page?
Many buyers start with the written assessment statement, which covers current regular and special assessments and any unpaid assessments or fines on the unit.
Does the HOA fee show up in my monthly cost?
Yes. Dues are an ongoing cost of ownership, and lenders factor them in. Ask your lender how they treat the specific amount.
Is $780 a month typical for Woodland Hills?
Unknown. It is the only fee displayed on the Redfin condos page at the time of reading. Fees vary by complex, so get the real figure for each unit.
Can an HOA stop me from renting my unit?
Some governing documents prohibit or limit renting. Section 4525 requires a description of that restriction, so check before you commit if you may rent it later.
Why ask for the board minutes?
They can reveal upcoming repairs, special assessments, or disputes before they hit your wallet.
Thinking about buying or selling in Woodland Hills?
Or call (818) 934-7576.