What is the official process a landlord must follow to claim or dispose of personal property left behind by a tenant in California?

In California, a landlord must provide a formal written notice to a former tenant before storing, selling, or disposing of any personal property they leave behind. The specific steps depend on the estimated value of the property. Here is the official process a landlord must follow: Step 1: Assess the Property and Secure It After you regain possession of the rental unit, you must make a good-faith estimate of the total value of all personal property the tenant left behind. Immediately move the items to a secure, dry location. Step 2: Prepare a "Notice of Right to Reclaim Abandoned Property" You must create a written notice that follows the format specified in California Civil Code Section 1984. The notice must describe the property, state where the tenant can claim it, specify the deadline to claim it, and explain that the tenant must pay reasonable storage costs. Step 3: Serve the Notice to the Former Tenant You must personally deliver the notice to the tenant or send it by first-class mail to their last known address (including any forwarding address they provided). The tenant's deadline to respond is at least 15 days if the notice was personally delivered, or at least 18 days if it was mailed. Step 4: Handle the Property Based on Its Value If the tenant does not claim the property within the deadline, your next action depends on your initial assessment of its value. If the total reasonable value of the property is less than $700, you may keep, sell, or dispose of it as you see fit. Step 5: Sell the Property at Public Auction If the property is reasonably valued at $700 or more, you must sell it at a competitive public auction. You must first publish a notice of the sale in a local newspaper of general circulation. The proceeds can be used to cover storage and sale costs. You must turn over any remaining money to the county treasury within 30 days of the sale, where the tenant can claim it for up to one year. Important Details and Nuances: You can charge the tenant reasonable costs for storing the property. You must release the property to the tenant once they pay these costs, even if they still owe you rent. Keep detailed records of your value assessment, the notice you sent, and any costs incurred. Warnings and Limitations: Never dispose of a tenant's property without first following this notice procedure. Doing so could make you liable for the value of the property and other damages. This process applies to all tenancies, including those ending after an eviction. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as property with title documents or disputes over value, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.