What Condominium Owners in Wisconsin Are Entitled to Know: Access to Records

08.20.2025

By:  Attorney Eric S. Johnson

Wisconsin condominium unit owners have a legal right to inspect and copy certain records maintained by their condominium association. These rights are grounded in the Wisconsin Condominium Ownership Act and the condominium’s governing documents. Understanding these rights is essential for both unit owners and board members to ensure transparency and compliance.

Statutory Rights

1. Wis. Stat. § 703.20

Wis. Stat. § 703.20 details the records that condominium associations must maintain and the rights of unit owners to inspect and copy them. Owners may inspect and copy records such as:

– Meeting minutes (owners and board)
– Financial statements and bank records
– Annual budgets and reserve account details
– Contracts and bids (past 6 years)
– Insurance policies and audits (if conducted)

Access is to be granted upon at least 10 days’ written notice. Associations may charge a reasonable fee for copies (not exceeding actual cost or $150). However, certain records are exempt from inspection, including:

– Attorney-client privileged communications
– Personnel records
– Records of other owners’ violations or payment history
– Financial records related to initial construction

Associations with 100 or more units must also maintain a website that provides unit owners with access to the above records. The association needs to take measures to prevent the general public from being able to access the association’s sensitive information.

2. Wis. Stat. § 703.202

If the condominium association controls another entity (e.g., a master association or management company), unit owners may inspect that entity’s records to the same extent the association itself can.

Governing Documents:

Declaration, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation

Beyond  the statutes, a condominium’s Declaration, Articles of Incorporation, or Bylaws may provide additional rights or procedures for accessing records. These documents can require the association to keep and provide additional records or access to owners, but they cannot permit less access than required by the above statutes.

Conclusion

Unit owners and Boards of Directors should review the statutes and their condominium documents carefully so that the appropriate documents are maintained and shared. Doing so results in better governance through informed decision making and transparency and can avoid costly litigation. If you have questions about your rights or obligations under Wisconsin condominium law, our firm is here to help.