Before you send
Illinois owners have a statutory right to inspect and copy association records. For condominiums, that right comes from Section 19 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act (765 ILCS 605/19); for most non-condo associations, from Section 1-30 of the Common Interest Community Association Act (765 ILCS 160/1-30).
The key to making a request work is to put it in writing. Send it to the board in care of the managing agent, keep a dated copy, and ask for a written response. Associations may charge the actual, reasonable cost of copying.
Templates
1 · Financial records & books
Use to request budgets, financial statements, bank and investment statements, invoices, contracts, and reserve information.
[Date]
[Association Name], Board of Directors
c/o [Managing Agent]
[Address]
Re: Written Request to Inspect and Copy Association Records
Unit Owner: [Your Name], Unit [##]
Dear Board of Directors:
I am a unit owner in good standing at [Association Name]. Under Section 19 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act (765 ILCS 605/19) — or, if applicable, Section 1-30 of the Common Interest Community Association Act (765 ILCS 160/1-30) — I request to inspect and receive copies of the following records:
• Itemized income and expense statements and balance sheets for [period];
• The current adopted budget and any amendments;
• Bank and investment account statements for [period];
• Paid invoices, contracts, and bids over $[amount] for [period];
• The most recent reserve study and current reserve account balances.
Please let me know when and where the records will be available, and the reasonable copying cost. I request a written response within the time required by law. I can receive copies electronically at [email].
Sincerely,
[Your Name] — Unit [##]
[Phone] · [Email] · [Date]
2 · Meeting minutes
Use to request minutes of board and membership meetings, including actions taken without a meeting.
[Date]
[Association Name], Board of Directors
c/o [Managing Agent]
[Address]
Re: Written Request for Meeting Minutes
Unit Owner: [Your Name], Unit [##]
Dear Board of Directors:
As a unit owner at [Association Name], and under Section 19 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act (765 ILCS 605/19) [or 765 ILCS 160/1-30], I request to inspect and copy:
• Minutes of all board of directors meetings for [period];
• Minutes of all membership/owner meetings for [period];
• Any written actions taken without a meeting for [period].
Please advise when the minutes will be available and the reasonable copying cost, and respond in writing within the time required by law. Electronic copies to [email] are acceptable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] — Unit [##]
[Phone] · [Email] · [Date]
3 · Governing documents
Use to request the declaration, bylaws, rules, and amendments — often needed before a sale or to confirm what the board can and can't do.
[Date]
[Association Name], Board of Directors
c/o [Managing Agent]
[Address]
Re: Written Request for Governing Documents
Unit Owner: [Your Name], Unit [##]
Dear Board of Directors:
As a unit owner at [Association Name], I request copies of the Association's current governing documents under Section 19 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act (765 ILCS 605/19) [or 765 ILCS 160/1-30]:
• The Declaration and any amendments;
• The Bylaws and any amendments;
• All current rules and regulations;
• Any board-adopted policies (collections, records, fines).
Please advise the reasonable copying cost and when the documents will be available, and respond in writing within the time required by law. Electronic copies to [email] are preferred.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] — Unit [##]
[Phone] · [Email] · [Date]
These templates are provided free as general information, not legal advice, and do not create an attorney- or accountant-client relationship. Records categories, response deadlines, and copying-cost rules vary by association type and change over time — verify the current statute or consult a qualified Illinois attorney before relying on a specific deadline or right. Common Interest Advisors, LLC is an independent financial advisory firm, not a law firm.
