ARTICLE 3. Documents to be Recorded [27279. - 27297.7.]

Cal. Government Code - GOV 3.
in effect

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27279. Section 27279.

(a) “Instrument,” as used in this chapter, means a written paper signed by a person or persons transferring the title to, or giving a lien on real property, or giving a right to a debt or duty. (b) The recorder of any county may, in lieu of a written paper, accept for recording digitized images, digital images, or both, of a recordable instrument, paper, or notice if both of the following conditions are met: (1) The image conforms to all other applicable statutes that prescribe recordability, except the requirement of original signatures in subdivision (b) of Section 27201. (2) The requester and addressee for delivery of the recorded images are the same and can be readily identified as a local or state government entity, or an agency, branch, or instrumentality of the federal government.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27279.1. Section 27279.1.

(a) The recorders of San Bernardino County and Orange County may accept, in lieu of a written paper document, a digitized image of a recordable instrument if both of the following conditions are met: (1) The requester and addressee for delivery of the recorded image meets the criteria set forth in either Section 27279.2 or 27279.3. (2) The county recorder determines that accepting electronically recorded documents from the requester is in the best interest of the county and the public. Factors the county recorder shall consider include, but are not limited to, both of the following: (A) Whether or not the volume and quality of digitized instruments submitted by the requester will be sufficient to warrant electronic recordation. (B) Whether, in order to protect the county and the public, the requester has effective security precautions addressing potential fraud and forging of documents in the electronic recordation process. (b) The Legislature finds and declares that, because of the unique circumstances applicable to the counties referenced in subdivision (a), as regards the present ability of these counties to process digitized images for electronic recordation, a statute of general applicability cannot be enacted within the meaning of subdivision (b) of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27279.2. Section 27279.2.

For purposes of Section 27279.1, the requester and addressee for delivery of a recorded image may record a digitized image of a recordable instrument if it is an entity, agency, branch, or instrumentality of the state or federal government qualifying under either Section 27279 of this code or Section 2106.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27279.3. Section 27279.3.

(a) A requester and addressee for delivery of a recorded image may record a digitized image of a recordable instrument if the requester meets the conditions set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 27279.1. (b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2000.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27279.4. Section 27279.4.

(a) The California Attorney General shall appoint an Electronic Recordation Task Force consisting of voluntary representatives from governmental agencies and industry groups specified in subdivision (b) who shall meet on a regular basis to address the technical, legal, security and economic issues associated with electronic recordation. The task force shall make recommendations regarding all of the following: (1) In addition to requesters qualifying under Section 27279.2, which persons and entities should be authorized to digitize and record documents electronically after January 1, 2000, in order to limit real property fraud, forgery, and consumer risks associated with electronic recordation and provide a cost benefit to the county. (2) Guidelines for the standardization of both software and hardware used by counties to ensure maximum efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and maximum use of the electronic recordation process by requesters qualifying under Sections 27279.2 and 27279.3. (3) Appropriate recording fees and other assessments to cover increased costs to both county recorders and requesters. (b) The task force described in subdivision (a) shall consist of representatives from governmental and industry groups, including county recorders, county district attorneys, the Franchise Tax Board, Fannie Mae, the United States Internal Revenue Service, trustees, mortgage bankers, financial institutions, and the title insurance and real estate industries.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27280. Section 27280.

(a) Any instrument or judgment affecting the title to or possession of real property may be recorded pursuant to this chapter. (b) Any instrument or document submitted for recordation which effectuates a change in ownership may be accompanied by a change in ownership statement as provided for in Section 480 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. Upon receipt of such change in ownership statement, the recorder shall transmit, as soon as possible, the original statement or true copy thereof to the county assessor along with the recorded document as required by Section 255.7 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. The change in ownership statement shall not be recorded nor open and available to public inspection and shall at all times remain confidential, except as provided in Section 408 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27280.5. Section 27280.5.

The names of parties required to be indexed appearing in any instrument, paper, or notice presented for recordation shall be legibly signed, typed, or printed therein before acceptance by the county recorder. The names of all persons executing or witnessing a document shall be legibly signed or shall be typed or printed to the side of or below the signature. The absence or neglect to legibly sign, type, or print the names shall not affect the notice otherwise imparted by recording.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27280.6. Section 27280.6.

(a) It is unlawful to present for recording or filing, or otherwise attempt to record or file, with a county recorder an exclusive listing agreement of any duration or any memoranda or notice of such agreement. A violation of this subdivision shall also constitute a violation of Section 1670.12 of the Civil Code. (b) For purposes of this section, “exclusive listing agreement” means any contract or agreement providing an exclusive right to list or sell residential real property, including: (1) An exclusive agreement as described in Section 10018.15 or 10018.16 of the Business and Professions Code. (2) A contract or agreement to enter into any such agreement or arrangement. (c) Any person licensed pursuant to Division 4 (commencing with Section 10000) of the Business and Professions Code who violates any provision of this section shall be deemed to have violated that person’s licensing law.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27281. Section 27281.

(a) Deeds or grants conveying any interest in or easement upon real estate to a political corporation or governmental agency for public purposes shall not be accepted for recordation without the consent of the grantee evidenced by its certificate or resolution of acceptance attached to or printed on the deed or grant. If a certificate of acceptance is used, it shall be in substantially the following form: This is to certify that the interest in real property conveyed by the deed or grant dated _________ from _________ to _________ , a political corporation and/or governmental agency is hereby accepted by order of the (legislative body) on (date) , (or by the undersigned officer or agent on behalf of the (legislative body) pursuant to authority conferred by resolution of the (legislative body) adopted on (date) ,) and the grantee consents to recordation thereof by its duly authorized officer. Dated ____________________ By (b) A political corporation or governmental agency, by a general resolution, may authorize one or more officers or agents to accept and consent to a deed or grant described in subdivision (a). (c) In cases where the county tax collector files purchaser’s deeds with respect to a sale for defaulted taxes, the information contained in those documents shall be deemed to constitute compliance with this section. (d) The requirements of this section shall not apply to a deed of trust or other security or regulatory document recorded by or on behalf of a state agency pursuant to a program or activity of the agency authorized by statute or regulation. (e) Subdivision (a) does not apply to a revocable transfer on death deed. (f) A revocable transfer on death deed that names a political corporation or governmental agency as a beneficiary does not transfer title to that political corporation or governmental agency unless and until the political corporation or governmental agency records a resolution of acceptance or a certificate of consent in a form substantially similar to the form prescribed in subdivision (a).

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27281.5. Section 27281.5.

(a) Any restriction imposed upon real property on or after January 1, 1982, which restricts either the ability of the owner of real property to convey the real property or the owner of a proprietary leasehold interest to convey such interest and which is imposed by a municipal or governmental entity on real property or a proprietary leasehold interest which is not owned by the municipal or governmental entity, shall be specifically set forth in a recorded document which particularly describes the real property restricted in order to impart constructive notice of the restriction, or shall be referenced in a recorded document which particularly describes the real property restricted and which refers by page and book number to a separately recorded document in which the restriction is set forth in full. (b) Any restriction on the ability of a person to convey real property which is subject to subdivision (a) shall be valid and enforceable only when the requirements contained in subdivision (a) have been met. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed, either directly or by implication, to enhance, diminish, or authorize any municipal or governmental entity to impose a restriction on the ability of a person to convey real property or a proprietary leasehold interest.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27282. Section 27282.

(a) The following documents may be recorded without acknowledgment, certificate of acknowledgment, or further proof: (1) A judgment affecting the title to or possession of real property, authenticated by the certificate of the clerk of the court in which the judgment was rendered. (2) A notice of support judgment, an interstate lien, a release of lien, or any other document completed and recorded by a local child support agency or a state agency acting pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 651 et seq.). (3) A notice of location of mining claim. (4) Certificates of amounts of taxes, interest and penalties due, notices of state tax liens and extensions thereof executed by the state, county, or city taxing agencies or officials pursuant to Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 7150) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, and Sections 2191.3, 2191.4, and 11495 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and releases, partial releases, and subordinations executed pursuant to Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 7150) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, and Sections 2191.4, 11496, 14307, and 14308 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (5) Notices of lien for postponed property taxes executed pursuant to Section 16182. (6) A release or discharge of a lien for postponed property taxes as authorized by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 16180) of Part 1 of Division 4 of Title 2. (7) A fixture filing as defined by paragraph (40) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102 of the Commercial Code. (8) An order affecting title to or possession of real property issued by a court in an action subject to Section 12527, authenticated by the certificate of the clerk of the court in which the order was issued or a copy of that order authenticated by a declaration under penalty of perjury by the Attorney General or by an assistant or deputy of the Attorney General attesting that the contents of the copy are the same as the original order issued by the court. (9) A court certified copy of a satisfaction of judgment. (10) A certificate of correction filed pursuant to Sections 66470 and 66472.1. (11) Any modification document, instrument, paper, or notice to remove a restrictive covenant that is in violation of Section 12955. (b) Any document described in this section, from the time it is filed with the recorder for record, is constructive notice of the contents thereof to subsequent purchasers and mortgagees.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27283. Section 27283.

The record of all notices of location of mining claims made prior to March 9, 1897 in the proper office without acknowledgment, or certificate of acknowledgment, or other proof, has the same force and effect for all purposes as if the notices had been duly acknowledged or proved and certified as required by law.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27284. Section 27284.

Affidavits showing work or posting of notices upon mining claims may be recorded in the recorder’s office of the county where the mining claims are situated.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27285. Section 27285.

The following documents may be recorded without acknowledgment or further proof: (a) Letters patent from the United States or from the state, executed and authenticated pursuant to existing law. (b) Leases for the development and extraction of minerals, including oil and gas, in which the United States is the lessor, executed on behalf of the United States by the Secretary of the Interior or by any other properly authorized officer or officers. (c) Copies of interdepartmental letters or decisions of the Department of the Interior or of any duly authorized officer or employee thereof approving assignments or surrenders of such leases or encumbrances thereon or canceling any such leases, certified by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior, or by any duly authorized officer or employee having the custody of such letters of decisions. (d) Copies of documents filed with the General Land Office of the Department of the Interior or in any district land office executed and acknowledged in a manner which would entitle them to be recorded and by which any interest in such leases or in the production thereunder is conveyed, assigned, encumbered or quitclaimed, certified by the officer or employee of the Department of the Interior having the custody of such documents. When a copy of any document so certified is recorded, the record has the same force and effect as though it were the record of the original document.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27286. Section 27286.

If letters patent have been lost or are beyond the control of any party deraigning title from them, or if for any reason they remain unrecorded, any person claiming title thereunder may cause a transcript of the copy of such letters patent kept by the government issuing them, duly certified by the officer or individual having lawful custody of the copy, to be recorded in lieu of the original, and the recorded copy has prima facie the same force and effect as the original for title or for evidence, until the original letters patent are recorded.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27287. Section 27287.

Unless it belongs to the class provided for in either Sections 27282 to 27286, inclusive, or Section 1202 or 1203, of the Civil Code, or is a fictitious mortgage or deed of trust as provided in Section 2952 or 2963 of the Civil Code, or is a fictitious oil and gas lease as provided in Section 1219 of the Civil Code, or is a claim of lien under Section 8416 of the Civil Code or a notice of completion under Section 8182 or 9204 of the Civil Code, before an instrument can be recorded its execution shall be acknowledged by the person executing it, or if executed by a corporation, by its president or secretary or other person executing it on behalf of the corporation, or, except for any power of attorney, quitclaim deed, grant deed, mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, or other document affecting real property, proved by subscribing witness or as provided in Sections 1198 and 1199 of the Civil Code, and the acknowledgment or proof certified as prescribed by law. This section shall not apply to a trustee’s deed resulting from a decree of foreclosure, or a nonjudicial foreclosure pursuant to Section 2924 of the Civil Code, or to a deed of reconveyance.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27288. Section 27288.

If the instrument is an agreement for sale, lease, option agreement, deposit receipt, commission receipt, or affidavit which quotes or refers to an agreement for sale, lease, option agreement, deposit receipt, commission receipt, or lease and such instrument claims to, or affects any interest in real property, it shall be executed and acknowledged or proved as provided in Section 27287 by the party who appears by the instrument to be the party whose real property is affected or alienated thereby.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27288.1. Section 27288.1.

All documents described in this section now or hereafter authorized by law to be recorded in the official records of a county shall contain the following information in addition to any information as may be required by law pertaining to the particular document: (a) If the document effects or evidences a transfer or encumbrance of an interest in real property, the name or names in which the interest appears of record, except that a notice of assessment recorded pursuant to Section 3114 of the Streets and Highways Code, a notice of special tax lien recorded pursuant to Section 3114.5 of the Streets and Highways Code, and a notice of award of contract recorded pursuant to Section 5248 of the Streets and Highways Code, shall show the name or names of the assessed owners as they appear on the latest secured assessment roll. (b) If the document releases or terminates any interest, right, or encumbrance, it shall contain or have appended thereto all of the names of those persons and entities owning the title or interest being relieved by the document, or the names of the owners of that title or interest as they appeared at the time and in the document creating the interest, right, or encumbrance. (c) In cases where the county tax collector is filing purchaser’s deeds with respect to a sale for defaulted taxes, those documents shall be deemed to constitute compliance with this section. No document subject to this section shall be recorded or indexed in the official records of a county unless it contains the information required by this section as well as any additional information required by law pertaining to the particular document, but the recorder may rely upon the information contained in, or appended to, the document being offered for record. The failure of any document to include all of the names required by this section shall not affect the constructive notice which would otherwise be afforded by the recording of the document. This section shall not apply to a vacation or abandonment by a public agency of a public highway or road. (d) If a document is rerecorded, it shall comply with subdivision (c) of Section 27201.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27288.2. Section 27288.2.

Pursuant to Section 5029 of the Public Resources Code, after March 15, 1993, the county recorder shall record a certified resolution establishing an historical resources designation issued by the State Historical Resources Commission or a local agency, or unit thereof. For previously designated properties, the county may record the certified resolution establishing the historical resources designation upon submission.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27289. Section 27289.

Whenever a notice is required by law to be recorded for any purpose, it shall be signed by the person giving notice or his agent.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27290. Section 27290.

An instrument proved and certified pursuant to Sections 1198 and 1199 of the Civil Code may be recorded in the proper office only if the original is at the same time deposited therein to remain for public inspection. In those counties where the photographic or microphotographic method of recording is employed, the original instrument, after recording, shall be delivered to the party leaving it for record at his last known address or upon his order.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27291. Section 27291.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 9501) of Division 9 of the Commercial Code or any other provision of law, a financing statement to perfect a security interest or agricultural lien may, at the election of the recorder and subject to the conditions of subdivision (b), be recorded instead of filed. (b) A recorder may elect to record a financing statement if all of the following apply: (1) The recorder employs a system of microphotography, optical disk, or other reproduction system that does not permit additions, deletions, or other changes to the permanent record of the original document. (2) All film used in the microphotography process complies with minimum standards of quality approved by the United States Bureau of Standards and the American National Standards Institute. (3) A true copy of the microfilm, optical disk, or other storage medium is kept in a safe and separate place for security purposes. (c) A certified copy of any record stored or retained on microfilm, optical disk, or other reproduction system pursuant to this section shall be admissible in any court to the same extent as the original record.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27293. Section 27293.

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), if an instrument, paper, or notice intended for record is executed or certified in whole or in part in a language other than English, the recorder shall not accept the instrument, paper, or notice for record. (2) (A) A translation in English of an instrument, paper, or notice executed or certified in whole or in part in a language other than English may be presented to the county clerk for verification that the translation was performed by a certified or registered court interpreter, as described in Section 68561, or by an accredited translator registered with the American Translators Association. The translation shall be accompanied by a notarized declaration by the interpreter or translator that the translation is true and accurate, and includes the certification, qualification, or registration of the interpreter or translator. The clerk shall consult an Internet Web site maintained by the Judicial Council or the American Translators Association in verifying the certification, qualification, or registration of the interpreter or translator. (B) Upon verification that the translation was performed by an interpreter or translator described in subparagraph (A), and that the translation is accompanied by a notarized declaration as required pursuant to subparagraph (A), the clerk shall duly make certification of that verification under seal of the county, attach the certification to the translation, and attach the certified translation to the original instrument, paper, or notice. (C) For this verification and certification, a fee of ten dollars ($10) shall be paid to the county clerk for each document submitted for certification. The attached original instrument, paper, or notice and certified translation may be presented to the recorder, and, upon payment of the usual fees, the recorder shall accept and permanently file the instrument, paper, or notice and record the certified translation. The recording of the certified translation gives notice and is of the same effect as the recording of an original instrument, paper, or notice. Certified copies of the recorded translation may be recorded in other counties, with the same effect as the recording of the original translation, provided, however, that in those counties where a photostatic or photographic method of recording is employed, the whole instrument, paper, or notice including the foreign language and the translation, may be recorded, and the original instrument, paper, or notice returned to the party leaving it for record or upon his or her order. (b) The provisions of subdivision (a) do not apply to any instrument, paper, or notice offered for record that contains provisions in English and a translation of the English provisions in a language other than English, provided that the English provisions and the translation thereof are specifically set forth in state or federal law. (c) The county clerk is not required to issue a translation certificate if he or she is unable to confirm the certification, registration, or accreditation of the translator, as required in subdivision (a).

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27295. Section 27295.

Where real property acquired by a municipality or a redevelopment agency is to be transferred in accordance with an official redevelopment plan any contract for such transfer and the official redevelopment plan (or such part or parts of such contract or plan as the municipality or agency may determine) may be recorded pursuant to this chapter.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27296. Section 27296.

(a) The county recorder in each county shall complete a yearly statistical report of documents, including electronically transmitted documents, recorded and filed on the form described in subdivision (b). The report shall be submitted to the office of the Insurance Commissioner. Documents shall be counted and reported in the same manner without regard to method of transmission. The county recorder may either charge for copies of this report or may disburse the report without fee for public information. Certified and noncertified copies of any records issued by the county recorder shall not be included in this report. (b) The standard statistical report form shall be substantially as follows: Documents Recorded and Filed Year Deeds Deeds of Trust and Mortgages Reconveyances Trustee’s Deeds Total number of documents recorded and filed

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27297. Section 27297.

For purposes of this article, a certificate describing real property and any lien thereon claimed pursuant to law for the costs of abatement of a nuisance upon such property, is an instrument affecting the title to or possession of such property.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27297.5. Section 27297.5.

(a) Upon recordation of an abstract of judgment or other document creating an involuntary lien affecting the title to real property, unless the county recorder has received from the judgment creditor proof of service pursuant to subdivision (b) of a copy of the document being recorded, the county recorder may, whenever the recorded document evidencing that lien contains the address of the person or persons against whom the involuntary lien is recorded or the address of the judgment debtor’s attorney of record, within 10 days notify the person or persons or attorney of record by mail of the recordation. (b) As an alternative to notice by the recorder, the judgment creditor or lienholder may serve upon the person or persons against whom the abstract of judgment or document creating an involuntary lien is to be recorded, a copy thereof in one of the following ways: (1) By personal delivery. Proof of service pursuant to this paragraph shall be shown by the affidavit of the person making the service, showing the time, place, and manner of service, the name and address of the person served, and any other facts necessary to show that service was made in accordance with this paragraph. If there is no address for a person to be served known to the judgment creditor or lienholder, he or she shall append to the abstract of judgment or involuntary lien an affidavit to that effect. (2) By leaving it at the person’s residence or place of business in the care of some person in charge. Proof of service pursuant to this paragraph shall be shown by the affidavit of the person making the service, showing the time, place, and manner of service, the name and address of the person served, together with the title or capacity of the person accepting service, and any other facts necessary to show that service was made in accordance with this paragraph. (3) By registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the person’s residence or place of business. This service is complete at the time of mailing. Proof of service pursuant to this paragraph shall be shown by an affidavit setting forth the fact of service, the name and residence or business address of the person making this service, showing that he or she is a resident of, or employed in, the county where the mailing occurs, the fact that he or she is over the age of 18 years, the date and place of deposit in the mail, the name and address of the person served as shown on the envelope, and the fact that the envelope was sealed and deposited in the mail, with the postage thereon fully prepaid, and sent by registered or certified mail. (c) The judgment creditor may add the actual cost of service pursuant to subdivision (b) to the judgment or involuntary lien. The costs shall not exceed the cost had the abstract of judgment or involuntary lien been recorded pursuant to subdivision (a). (d) As used in this section, “involuntary lien” means a lien that the person or persons against whom the lien is recorded has not executed or has not consented to by contract. (e) This section shall not apply to the recordation of any documents relating to an involuntary lien in favor of the federal government pursuant to federal law or statute or to the recordation of any state tax lien against real property. (f) The failure of the county recorder or a judgment creditor or lienholder to notify the person or persons against whom an abstract of judgment or involuntary lien is recorded as authorized by this section shall not affect the constructive notice otherwise imparted by recordation, nor shall it affect the force, effect, or priority otherwise accorded the lien. (g) In the event that the notice is returned to the recorder by the postal service as undeliverable, the recorder is not required to retain the returned notice. (h) In recognition of the state and local interests served by the action made optional in subdivision (a), the Legislature encourages the county recorder to continue taking the action formerly mandated by this section. However, nothing in this subdivision may be construed to impose any liability on a local agency that does not continue to take the formerly mandated action.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27297.6. Section 27297.6.

(a) (1) Following adoption of an authorizing resolution by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Los Angeles County Recorder, or a designee or designees authorized by the board of supervisors, may notify one or more of the following by mail: (A) The party or parties executing a deed, quitclaim deed, or deed of trust, within 30 days of recordation. (B) The party or parties subject to a notice of default or notice of sale, including the occupants of that property, within 5 days, but in any event no more than 14 days, of recordation. (2) The recorder may require, as a condition of recording, that a deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, notice of default, or notice of sale indicate the assessor’s identification number or numbers that fully contain all, or a portion of, the real property described in the legal description. If the description contains more than one assessor’s parcel, all assessor’s parcels shall be indicated. The form of the entry shall be substantially as follows: Assessor’s Identification Number __-__-__. (b) This section shall not apply to the recordation of any document where the federal government, or state, county, city, or any subdivision of the state acquires title. (c) The failure of the county recorder to provide the notice as permitted by this section shall not result in any liability against the recorder or the county. In the event that the notice is returned to the recorder by the postal service as undeliverable, the recorder is not required to retain the returned notice. (d) Where the county recorder contracts with any party or parties for the performance of the processing or the mailing of the notice, or both, as authorized by this section, the contract shall be awarded by competitive bid. The county recorder shall solicit written bids for the contract in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, and all bids received shall be publicly opened and the contract awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. If the county recorder or their designee deems the acceptance of the lowest responsible bid is not in the best interest of the county, all bids may be rejected. (e) If the board of supervisors adopts an authorizing resolution, pursuant to subdivision (a), that includes notification of the parties described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), the County of Los Angeles shall, on or before January 1, 2029, submit a report to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Assembly Committee on Local Government that shall include, but not be limited to, the following information covering the period of time between December 1, 2013, and November 1, 2028: (1) A copy of each type of notice mailed pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a). (2) The number of filed notices of default and notices of sale for which a fee was collected pursuant to Section 27387.1. (3) The amount of fees collected, pursuant to Section 27387.1, for the filing of notices of default and notices of sale. (4) The amount of fees spent to provide housing information, counseling, and assistance, described in Section 27387.1. (5) Documented examples showing how the county’s homeowner notification program led to successful investigations of real estate fraud activity, referrals to prosecuting agencies, avoided foreclosures, or helped property owners and residents avoid falling victim to real estate fraud. (6) An evaluation of whether the county’s homeowner notification program, in comparison to other available policy tools in the County of Los Angeles, is a cost-effective approach to combating real estate fraud and reducing foreclosures. (7) An evaluation of whether the county’s homeowner notification program is an effective way to inform tenants of an impending foreclosure and to combat abusive post-foreclosure practices by property owners. (8) An assessment of how the county’s homeowner notification program compares to real estate fraud and foreclosure prevention programs being implemented in at least three other large, urban California counties. (f) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2030, deletes or extends that date.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 27297.7. Section 27297.7.

(a) On or before January 1, 2027, each county within the state shall establish a recorder notification program, in accordance with this section, and the board of supervisors of each county shall adopt an authorizing resolution for these purposes. (b) (1) Following adoption of an authorizing resolution by the board of supervisors, the county recorder shall, within 30 days of recordation of a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage, or deed of trust, notify by mail the party or parties executing the document. The notification shall be sent to the address for mailing tax bills that was established prior to the recording of the document. (2) The recorder may require, as a condition of recording, that a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage, or deed of trust indicate the assessor’s identification number or numbers that fully contain all, or a portion of, the real property described in the legal description. If the description contains more than one assessor’s parcel, all assessor’s parcels shall be indicated. If assessor’s identification numbers are required, they shall be listed on the first page of the document. The recorder may rely on the assessor’s identification numbers as indicated on the document. The form of the entry shall be substantially as follows: Assessor’s Identification Number __-__-__. (3) In addition to the mailed notice required by paragraph (1), the county recorder may establish an electronic notification program that notifies parties upon recording of a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage, or deed of trust. (c) This section shall not apply to the recordation of any document where the federal government, or state, county, city, or any subdivision of the state is the grantee. (d) The failure of the county recorder to provide the notice as permitted by this section shall not result in any liability against the recorder or the county. In the event that the notice is returned to the recorder by the postal service as undeliverable, the recorder is not required to retain the returned notice. (e) Where the county recorder contracts with any party or parties for the performance of the processing or the mailing of the notice, or both, as authorized by this section, the contract shall be awarded by competitive bid. The county recorder shall solicit written bids for the contract in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, and all bids received shall be publicly opened and the contract awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. If the county recorder or their designee deems the acceptance of the lowest responsible bid is not in the best interest of the county, all bids may be rejected. (f) In addition to any other recording fee, the board of supervisors may authorize the county recorder to collect a fee from the party filing a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage, or deed of trust for the cost of implementing the program pursuant to this section. The fee shall not exceed the reasonable costs of services of the county to provide a recorder notification program and to comply with this section. This fee shall not be charged until at least 120 days following the establishment of the fee and public notification of the fee and the effective date. (g) This section shall not apply to a county that operates a notification program pursuant to Section 27297.6.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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