The Homestead Declaration must be recorded with the County Recorder to be valid. Discover the Homestead Declaration, a crucial protective measure designed to safeguard the property and financial interests of homeowners in California.Complete a homestead declaration form. Download PDF BOE-266 REV. California courts have long held that a lack of physical occupancy does not preclude a party from establishing actual residency and claiming the homestead. Do I need to file a homestead exemption in California? Claim your coupon when you sign up for our weekly newsletter with info on upcoming events and promotions.