Cal. Civ. Code §5550
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Reserve Study Requirements

Associations must conduct a visual site inspection of major components every three years, prepare or update a reserve study, and disclose the reserve funding plan to members in the annual budget report.

Status Active
Verified Jul 4, 2026
Source Official text

Reviewed · California changes feed

Statutory Text Verified Aug 5, 2026 · CA_LEG_INFO
Civil Code - CIV DIVISION 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS [3274 - 9566] ( Heading of Division 4 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 16. ) PART 5. Common Interest Developments [4000 - 6150] ( Part 5 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) CHAPTER 7. Finances [5500 - 5580] ( Chapter 7 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) ARTICLE 3. Reserve Planning [5550 - 5580] ( Article 3 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) 5550. (a) At least once every three years, the board shall cause to be conducted a reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection of the accessible areas of the major components that the association is obligated to repair, replace, restore, or maintain as part of a study of the reserve account requirements of the common interest development, if the current replacement value of the major components is equal to or greater than one-half of the gross budget of the association, excluding the association’s reserve account for that period. The board shall review this study, or cause it to be reviewed, annually and shall consider and implement necessary adjustments to the board’s analysis of the reserve account requirements as a result of that review. (b) The study required by this section shall at a minimum include: (1) Identification of the major components that the association is obligated to repair, replace, restore, or maintain that, as of the date of the study, have a remaining useful life of less than 30 years. (2) Identification of the probable remaining useful life of the components identified in paragraph (1) as of the date of the study. (3) An estimate of the cost of repair, replacement, restoration, or maintenance of the components identified in paragraph (1). (4) An estimate of the total annual contribution necessary to defray the cost to repair, replace, restore, or maintain the components identified in paragraph (1) during and at the end of their useful life, after subtracting total reserve funds as of the date of the study. (5) A reserve funding plan that indicates how the association plans to fund the contribution identified in paragraph (4) to meet the association’s obligation for the repair and replacement of all major components with an expected remaining life of 30 years or less, not including those components that the board has determined will not be replaced or repaired. (c) For purposes of this section, “major components” includes gas, water, and electrical service to the extent that the association is responsible for repair or replacement of those lines pursuant to Section 4775. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 288, Sec. 2. (SB 900) Effective January 1, 2025.)
Reserves
Ref Requirement
(a) A professional must inspect the building's major parts (roof, plumbing, etc.) every 3 years.
(b) Owners must be told how much is saved for future repairs and whether it's enough.
References
Articles Citing This Statute
Legal references last verified July 4, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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