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Q.How does a tenant retrieve personal possessions left behind in a rental unit?
A.The landlord is required by law to return a tenant's personal items, and if the landlord fails to do so after the former tenant has followed the procedures set forth in California Civil Code Section 1965, the landlord may be held liable for damages (the value of the property) and up to a $250.00 penalty.
Pursuant to California Civil Code 1965, the tenant must within 18 days of moving out, write the landlord a letter asking him or her to return your belongings. Describe the items, provide your new address, sign and date the letter, and send the letter via certified mail return receipt requested. If the landlord admits having your possessions but requests you pay a reasonable fee for removing, taking apart, transporting and storing your items, do so and set a mutually agreeable time within 3 days to retrieve your personal items.
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