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Do I Need to Provide MoveZen With Funds for a Large Repair Bill at My Property?

This isn’t unusual and it’s driven by trust accounting law, not preference.

Audience: property owners facing a significant repair who want to understand when owner funds are required and how large repairs are handled.

Sometimes, yes large repairs may require owner-provided funds, especially if there isn’t enough rent currently available in the property’s trust balance. 

Here’s how that determination is made.

FAQs ❓

Why can’t the repair just be paid and deducted later?
Because trust accounting rules prohibit deficit spending.

Does this apply only to very large repairs?
It applies to any repair that exceeds the available trust balance.

Can funds come from another property I own?
No. Each property’s funds must remain separate.

Will I get the money back later?
Owner-provided funds are contributions, not loans or refundable advances.

Why Owner Funds Are Sometimes Required ⚖️

Under North Carolina trust accounting rules:

  • Repair bills can only be paid with available, cleared funds

  • Management companies cannot front money on behalf of owners

  • Trust accounts cannot go negative

If rent and reserves don’t cover the cost, owner funds are required.

How MoveZen Determines If Funds Are Needed ✔️

Before requesting owner funds, MoveZen looks at:

  • Current trust balance

  • Pending rent payments

  • Existing reserve funds

  • Size and urgency of the repair

If funds aren’t sufficient at the time the bill must be paid, a contribution is required.

Common Examples That Trigger Owner Funding 🧾

Owner funds are often needed for:

  • Roof replacement

  • HVAC replacement

  • Major plumbing or electrical work

  • Structural repairs

  • Insurance deductibles

These expenses usually exceed a single month’s rent.

How Owner Funds Are Used 🔄

When you provide funds:

  1. Money is deposited into the property’s trust ledger

  2. Posted as an Owner Contribution

  3. Applied to the repair invoice

  4. Reflected clearly on your Owner Statement

Funds are used only for your property.

What Owner Funds Are Not 🚫

Owner contributions are not:

  • Rent

  • Fees

  • Refundable deposits

  • Advances that get “paid back” later

They simply ensure the repair can be completed promptly.

How to Reduce the Likelihood of Future Requests 💡

Owners often minimize surprise contributions by:

  • Maintaining a reserve fund

  • Retaining disbursements when large repairs are anticipated

  • Planning ahead for aging systems

A Helpful Owner Perspective 🤔

Large repairs are part of long-term ownership. The question isn’t:

“Why do I have to send money?”

It’s:

“How can I structure my property finances to handle this smoothly?”