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If I Anticipate a Significant Repair in the Near Future, Is It Possible for MoveZen to Withhold My Payments for Several Months to Ensure Funds Are Available? 

That said, there are important guardrails driven by trust accounting rules.

Audience: property owners planning for a large upcoming repair who want to understand whether owner payments can be intentionally retained to build funds.

Yes, in many cases, this is possible, and it's actually a smart, proactive strategy when handled correctly.

Here's how it works.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MoveZen automatically hold my payments without asking me? No. Owner disbursements are issued unless you explicitly request otherwise.

Can payments be held indefinitely? They can be retained for a defined purpose and period, as long as the funds are earned.

Does this apply to future rent? Only to earned rent, not future or unearned funds.

Is this the same as a reserve fund? It's related, but not exactly the same.

 

Why Withholding Payments Must Be Owner-Directed

Trust accounting rules require that:

  • Earned owner funds are disbursed unless authorized to remain in trust
  • Management cannot arbitrarily withhold owner money
  • Retained funds must be documented and traceable

This ensures transparency and owner control.

Related article: https://know.movezen360.com/understanding-trust-monies-escrow

How This Option Typically Works

When a property owner anticipates a major repair:

  1. Owner requests that disbursements be paused
  2. Request is documented and confirmed
  3. Earned rent remains in the property's trust ledger
  4. Funds accumulate over time
  5. Repair expenses are paid from the available balance

This avoids repeated contribution requests later.

How This Differs From a Reserve Fund

A reserve fund:

  • Is a predefined amount maintained in trust
  • Is always available for repairs

Retaining disbursements:

  • Builds funds gradually
  • Is often used for known upcoming projects

Many property owners use both strategies together.

Related article: https://know.movezen360.com/reserve-fund-for-repairs

What Cannot Be Done

MoveZen cannot:

  • Hold unearned future rent
  • Reassign tenant funds early
  • Spend money without sufficient trust balance
  • Retain funds without owner authorization

These safeguards protect both owners and tenants.

How This Appears on Your Statement

When disbursements are paused:

  • Rent still posts as income
  • Expenses are paid from the balance
  • No owner payment is issued
  • Statements clearly show retained funds

This keeps accounting transparent.

Related article: https://know.movezen360.com/how-to-read-owner-statement

When This Strategy Makes Sense

This approach is commonly used for:

  • Roof replacement
  • HVAC replacement
  • Exterior painting
  • Large plumbing or electrical projects

Planning ahead reduces stress and downtime.

Proactive Cash Flow Planning

Rather than reacting to contribution requests, proactive property owners ask:

"How can I prepare my cash flow for what I know is coming?"

Withholding disbursements temporarily supports this forward-thinking approach, allowing funds to accumulate in your property's trust ledger for anticipated major expenses.

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