California Apartment Association

Legal Q&A: How do I check the value of property abanoned by tenant?

Question: A tenant has left a lot of personal property after vacating. How do I know if the value of the items left behind amount to $700?

Ted Kimball
Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP

Answer: You can call a third-party appraiser. Alternatively, you can research what comparable items sell for in the community. Remember that it is replacement value, not the cost of purchasing a new item.  Accordingly, online resources such as Craigslist can be used to help substantiate a value assigned to an item.

Question: I served a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy, but they have failed to pay their rent.  Can I now serve a three-day notice to pay rent or quit or will that invalidate the 60-day?

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