LA County Offers Free Property Records for Fire Assistance

What happened: On August 14, 2026, the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) confirmed it is offering free copies of property records to residents directly impacted by recent fires to aid their recovery efforts, accessible through a designated assistance channel.

On August 14, 2026, Los Angeles County provided crucial clarity for homeowners navigating fire recovery: the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) will provide free copies of property records to residents directly impacted by fires. This measure is designed to remove administrative hurdles for those rebuilding their lives and property after a fire.

What changed?

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) has activated a no-cost property records program for residents whose properties were directly impacted by fires. According to the county's emergency resources guidance, this program waives the standard copy fees for recorded real estate documents needed for recovery. This is not a new law, but an administrative relief measure to support residents in crisis.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Fee Waiver: The program eliminates copy fees for property records for eligible individuals. This applies to documents like deeds, deeds of trust, and other recorded instruments essential for insurance claims, loan applications, and title verification.
• Eligibility: The assistance is for Los Angeles County residents "directly impacted by fires." While the exact documentation to prove this is not specified, it is intended for property owners who have suffered damage.
• Designated Contact: To access the service, residents are directed to call a specific phone line: 800‑201‑8999, and select option 3 for fire-related property-record assistance.

This fee waiver for copies is distinct from property tax relief, which is handled separately by the LA County Assessor through its Misfortune and Calamity program. That program requires damage to exceed $10,000 and has a 12-month filing deadline.

When does it take effect?

The program is currently active. The public guidance was updated on August 14, 2026, but the policy has been operational since at least late July 2026.

What this means in the South Bay and on the Westside

This county-wide program provides a direct and practical benefit for homeowners in our local markets. While we hope our clients never need it, fire risk is a reality, from brush fires in the Palos Verdes Peninsula to structure fires in dense communities like Hermosa Beach or Santa Monica.

For a homeowner in Rancho Palos Verdes or Rolling Hills whose property is damaged in a wildfire, this program means they can obtain a certified copy of their deed, easements, and tract map from the county at no cost. These documents are non-negotiable for filing insurance claims and applying for permits to rebuild.

Similarly, if a multi-unit condo building in Playa Vista or Culver City suffers a fire, owners may need to reconstitute years of records. Having free access to original CC&Rs, amendments, and individual deeds of trust helps the HOA and individual owners get organized for insurance and reconstruction lending, without adding financial burden.

We see this as a critical tool for disaster recovery that streamlines the first step in any title-related process: gathering the core documents.

What agents and homeowners should do now

If you or your client has been affected by a fire in Los Angeles County, here is a step-by-step guide to using this program.

1. Confirm Eligibility: First, determine if the property was "directly impacted by a fire." This program is specifically for properties that have sustained damage.
2. Gather Information: Before calling, have the full property address and the name(s) of the legal owner(s) ready.
3. Contact the RR/CC: Call the dedicated fire assistance line at 800-201-8999 and press option 3. Explain your situation and that you need to request no-cost copies of property records for fire recovery.
4. Specify Documents: Be clear about which documents you need. This could include the last recorded deed, the deed of trust for any open loans, recorded easements, or other instruments in the property's title history.
5. Coordinate with Professionals: Share the documents you receive with your insurance adjuster, lender, and title representative. This ensures everyone working on your recovery has the same official, verified information.

Open questions

While the program is a welcome relief, some operational details are not yet publicly specified. As of August 17, 2026, the following points remain unconfirmed:

• Formal Legal Authority: No specific county ordinance or board motion number is cited in the public guidance. The program appears to be an administrative action by the RR/CC.
• Eligibility Proof: The county has not published a list of documents required to prove one is "directly impacted." Homeowners should be prepared to describe the nature and date of the damage when they call.
• Program End Date: The guidance states the program is "currently" offered, but provides no sunset clause or expiration date. We will monitor for any updates.

Sources

This information is based on public guidance from Los Angeles County.

• LA County Emergency Resources: https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/emergency-resources/
• LA County Assessor (for tax relief context): https://assessor.lacounty.gov/

FAQ

How do I get free property records in LA County after a fire?

To get free property records in LA County after a fire, you must call the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's dedicated assistance line at 800-201-8999 and select option 3. You will need to state that your property was directly impacted by a fire and specify the documents you need for recovery.

Who is eligible for the LA County free records program?

The program is for Los Angeles County residents who have been "directly impacted by fires." This means the property itself has suffered damage, and the records are needed to support recovery efforts like insurance claims or rebuilding.

Does this cover recording fees for a new deed?

No, this program does not cover recording fees. The fee waiver applies only to the cost of obtaining copies of existing, previously recorded documents. Standard fees for recording new documents, such as a new deed or a reconveyance, still apply.

What documents can I get for free?

You can request free copies of real estate documents recorded with the county that are necessary for your recovery. This typically includes your property's deed, deeds of trust, easements, recorded maps, and other instruments that define your ownership and property rights.

This program is a valuable, practical step by the county to help residents in a time of crisis. If you are working on a transaction involving a fire-damaged property in the South Bay or Westside, the situation requires careful handling. Contact us at Team Goeglein so we can help you navigate the title and escrow implications. For specific questions on a file, call Matt Goeglein and Xavier de la Piedra IV at Fidelity National Title.