Recording an instrument does not make a transaction legal. This section contains possible exclusions from reassessment for certain types of transfers.How does a change in ownership affect property taxes? What constitutes a change in ownership? Fill out the preliminary change of ownership report to properly transfer your California real estate into your living trust. Here are the six steps to transfer your house to your living trust. They're really simple once you know what to do it's a very simple process. Stepbystep guide on how to transfer property to a living trust in California preparing deeds, recording with the county and more. From filling out a change of trustee form to delivering notices to interested parties, the process of changing trustees can be complicated. You need the deed to state that it is a transfer per Tax and Rev Code 11930 so that the clerk know no tax is due.