Homeowners’ associations must share records starting in January 2027

Covered homeowners’ associations must keep records and let members or their authorized agents inspect and copy them. This covers New Hampshire homeowners’ associations formed under RSA 292. Required records include finances, meeting decisions, governing documents, contracts, and votes. Requests must identify specific records and give 15 days’ notice in writing. Access must occur during reasonable business hours or at an agreed time and place. Associations may withhold certain private or sensitive records, including personnel files, legal matters, ongoing negotiations, closed-session records, and other owners’ accounts. They may withhold information whose release would violate law. Copying fees must be reasonable and cannot exceed the limit for copying government records. Members may request electronic copies if available. Associations need not combine or summarize information. Recipients cannot use it for commercial purposes. The requirements take effect January 1, 2027. Required records include financial statements and tax returns for the past three years, and voting records for one year after the related election, action, or vote.

Association boards and committees may hold closed sessions only for listed purposes and cannot take final votes or actions in them. The limits cover boards and committees of New Hampshire homeowners’ associations formed under RSA 292. Closed sessions must occur during a regular or special board or committee meeting. They may cover attorney consultations, existing or possible legal disputes or proceedings, labor or personnel matters, and ongoing negotiations for goods or services. For negotiations, the board or committee must determine that early disclosure would disadvantage the association or that public disclosure would violate someone’s privacy. These limits take effect January 1, 2027.

Covered associations must disclose certain financial ties and obtain members’ approval before entering a contract. This covers associations formed under RSA 292 when an owner, board member, or either person’s immediate family member has a financial interest in a company seeking an association contract. The financial interest must be disclosed prominently in writing to all members before or at the same time as the notice of a meeting held under the association’s bylaws. A majority of votes cast at the meeting must approve the contract. The meeting must meet the association’s minimum attendance requirement. The person with the financial interest must not vote. These requirements take effect January 1, 2027.