When Should San Diego Owners Deposit Relocation Funds
Quick answer: Deposit relocation funds only after counsel confirms the obligation, amount, payees, and payment method. If escrow will handle the payment, fund early enough to release within San Diego’s 15 day direct payment period.
San Diego owners sometimes want to deposit money first and ask questions later. That can feel proactive, but premature funding can create a new problem: the account holds money before anyone has confirmed who should receive it, when it should be released, or whether the legal file supports the payment.
The Best Time to Fund
For a covered no fault termination with a direct payment, Municipal Code section 98.0706 generally requires the assistance to be provided within 15 days from the notice. If the owner chooses escrow, the account should be funded promptly enough to verify receipt and complete the release process inside that period. Waiting until day 14 leaves no room for a bank delay or payee correction.
Legal file confirmed
Counsel confirms coverage, amount, tenants, notice, and payment method.
Instruction signed
The owner approves the escrow account, authorized payees, and release conditions.
Funding verified
Escrow confirms receipt through the approved channel and alerts the authorized parties.
Release completed
The disbursement occurs inside the applicable timeline and is documented.
What if the Tenant Wants Money Immediately?
The tenant’s request does not replace the owner’s legal review. If the payment is due, the owner should move quickly through the confirmed process rather than improvise a transfer. Our article on direct payment versus escrow explains the tradeoffs.
Timing warning: Do not use an escrow funding condition to delay assistance that is already legally due.
Secured Trust Escrow helps San Diego owners confirm receipt, document authorization, and preserve the disbursement record within the applicable timeline.
Time Your San Diego Relocation Funding
Confirm the legal file, sign the instruction, fund, verify, and release without missing the deadline.
About the Author: This guide was prepared by the escrow officers at Secured Trust Escrow, a California DFPI licensed escrow company with experience in business holding escrow, relocation escrow, liquor license transfers, and mergers and acquisitions throughout Los Angeles, Torrance, and surrounding areas.
Legal and Regulatory Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about escrow services. It does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Escrow transactions involve complex legal and financial consequences that vary by transaction type and individual circumstances. Parties should consult with qualified attorneys and tax professionals regarding their particular transactions. California regulations and market conditions change periodically. Last reviewed: October 2026.
