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Secured Trust Escrow
Relocation Escrow Services
When landlords in Los Angeles and Santa Monica need to comply with housing department relocation requirements, they turn to Secured Trust Escrow. As California’s premier relocation escrow company, we specialize exclusively in housing department mandated relocations, making us the most trusted partner for landlords navigating complex tenant displacement regulations.
Our expertise in housing relocation escrow sets us apart from general escrow companies. While others handle relocation transactions occasionally, we process hundreds of housing department relocations annually throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Same-Day Setup
Email us the city determination letter and we open the escrow account, issue instructions, and provide wiring details within one business hour.
Dual-City Compliance
One streamlined process meets both Los Angeles Housing and Santa Monica Housing rules, eliminating separate filings or extra reviews.
Instant Disbursements
Tenant move-out confirmation received by 2 p.m. equals funds wired or check mailed the same day, keeping relocations on schedule.
About Relocation Escrows
California landlords choose Secured Trust Escrow because we provide comprehensive service that recognizes each housing relocation is unique. Our dedicated relocation specialists work directly with landlords, property managers, housing departments, and tenants to coordinate every aspect of the relocation process.
We maintain compliant escrow accounts for relocation funds, ensure proper documentation meets housing department standards, and facilitate timely disbursement of relocation assistance payments according to local ordinances.
The Security and Protection Landlords Need
Housing department relocations involve significant legal and financial obligations. When you’re required to pay relocation assistance ranging from $7,654 to over $33,000 per unit, any error or delay can result in serious penalties and legal complications.
Secured Trust Escrow protects landlords by ensuring funds are properly secured, all documentation complies with local housing department requirements, and payments are disbursed according to strict regulatory timelines.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully managed housing relocations for property owners throughout Los Angeles and Santa Monica, handling everything from single-unit owner move-ins to large-scale Ellis Act withdrawals. Every client receives the same meticulous attention to detail and commitment to maintaining full compliance with local housing regulations.
What is Housing Department Relocation Escrow?
Housing department relocation escrow is a specialized service that manages the financial aspects of tenant displacement when landlords are required to provide relocation assistance under local ordinances.
Unlike standard real estate escrows that handle property purchases, housing relocation escrow focuses on holding and disbursing mandatory relocation payments to tenants who are involuntarily displaced from their rental units.
This service becomes essential when landlords must comply with local relocation assistance laws that require specific payment amounts based on unit size, tenant qualifications, and displacement reasons. The escrow process ensures these funds are properly managed, legal requirements are met, and payments are distributed according to housing department guidelines while protecting both landlord and tenant interests.
Why California Requires Professional Escrow Services for Housing Relocations
California’s tenant protection laws create complex requirements for relocation assistance payments, documentation, and disbursement timelines. Cities like Los Angeles and Santa Monica have specific ordinances requiring landlords to deposit relocation funds into approved escrow accounts before serving termination notices.
Professional escrow services ensure compliance with these regulations, proper documentation of all financial transactions, and protection of both landlord and tenant rights throughout the relocation process.
Without professional escrow management, landlords risk non-compliance penalties, tenant lawsuits, and housing department violations that can result in fines exceeding $10,000 per unit.
Secured Trust Escrow eliminates these risks by managing every detail of your housing relocation with precision and full compliance with local housing department requirements, making us California’s most trusted partner for relocation escrow services. Contact us for more information
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 20 frequently asked questions specifically about relocation escrow accounts in California:
1. What is a relocation escrow account?
A neutral, third party account that holds the relocation assistance funds until the tenant vacates and all city requirements are met.
2. Who opens the account?
The property owner (landlord) must open it within 15 days of serving the notice of termination.
3. Where can the account be opened?
At any California licensed escrow company, federally insured bank or credit union, real estate broker trust account, or attorney client trust account.
4. Is Secured Trust Escrow mandatory?
No, but Los Angeles Housing, HCIDLA, and Santa Monica Housing all accept us, so your file moves faster with zero extra review.
5. How much money has to be deposited?
The city’s relocation provider calculates the exact amount, currently $7,654 to $33,864 per unit, based on tenant income, unit size, and length of tenancy.
6. Can I deposit one lump sum for multiple tenants?
Yes, as long as the escrow instructions break out each tenant’s pro rata share so every disbursement is traceable.
7. When does the money have to be in escrow?
Within 15 calendar days after the notice of termination is served.
8. Can tenants get money before they move?
They may request up to 50 percent of their share for moving costs once they sign a declaration of intent to vacate; the balance is released after keys are returned.
9. How fast is the balance released?
Secured Trust Escrow wires or mails the remaining funds within one business day of receiving the signed move out confirmation.
10. What paperwork does the landlord provide?
Copy of the served termination notice, the city’s determination letter, completed escrow instruction sheet, and proof of deposit funds.
11. What documents must tenants supply?
Government issued ID, signed escrow direction form, and, if requesting an advance, receipts or estimates for moving expenses.
12. Are escrow fees regulated?
No, but we publish a flat fee schedule up front, no surprises.
13. Who pays the escrow fee?
Unless the city program says otherwise, the landlord pays; it is considered part of the cost of compliance.
14. Can a tenant refuse to use escrow?
If the ordinance allows direct payment, the tenant may elect it in writing; otherwise the landlord must use escrow to remain compliant.
15. What if a tenant disputes the amount?
We hold the contested portion until the housing department or a court makes a final determination; no funds are forfeited during the dispute.
16. Does escrow replace the city’s relocation provider?
No, escrow only holds and disburses the money; the city still determines eligibility and calculates the exact amount.
17. Is interest paid on the escrow balance?
California law does not require interest on these short term accounts, so none is credited.
18. Can Secured Trust handle both LAHD and Santa Monica files?
Yes, we maintain separate compliance checklists for each jurisdiction, so mixed portfolios are handled seamlessly.
19. How do I open an account today?
Email general@securedtrustescrow.com or call (323) 919-9894 with the determination letter; we email escrow docs the same hour.
20. What happens if the tenant never vacates?
Funds stay in escrow until legal possession is obtained or the city authorizes release; the money never reverts to the landlord automatically.
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