Deed changes
Protect yourself from fraud, or change the name on your deed.
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Need to Change your deed?
Many multi-generational households have experienced complications due to name discrepancies on deeds. It’s critical that your deed reflects the current owner so you can avoid disputes about ownership, property tax issues, or complications with rebuilding.
Here’s how to get that fixed:
Find out who’s on your deed
Go to the LA County Registrar-Recorder’s Office or search online here.
Ask for a copy of your Grant Deed or Quitclaim Deed.
If the current owner has died…
Collect proof of death (Certified Death Certificate) and documents showing your relationship (will, trust, or intestate succession paperwork).
Contact the County Assessor’s Office – Ownership Services Division to explain the situation.
2. File to update ownership
Print and sign these documents.
One of the below:
Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant (if you co-owned with the deceased)
Affidavit of Death of Trustee (if the property was in a trust)
You’ll record these documents with the Registrar-Recorder’s Office. This has to be done in person or by mail.
3. Notify the Assessor
Once the new deed is recorded, file the Change in Ownership Statement so the Assessor updates the property record.
Note: You can either do this process yourself by mailing in your documents or going to an assessor’s office in person, or you can hire an escrow or title company to do it digitally.
TIP:
You will need to provide a certified copy of the owner’s death certificate, and all documents need to be signed in black or blue ink.
Avoiding reassessment
Property values are re-assessed when transfered, which can result in a higher tax bill. There are a number of circumstances that exclude you from reasssment, though. Look at the list on the bottom of this page to see if you qualify.