Evictions and Trash

[Cameron Chew]

Hi Group,

I'm in the process of evictions for a unit located in Sacramento, California. The tenants have defaulted already and I'm waiting on the stamped papers to give to the sheriff.

However, it appears the tenants have abandoned the unit and have also trashed the place. i.e. exposed wires, gas leak, leaky water in the bathroom and kitchen, etc.

I haven't gotten the keys from them so I can't say they've officially moved out.
I'd like to start repairing and cleaning the place, but am I still allowed to change the locks or even enter?

And what happens to the evictions now? Does this convert to a civil case now?

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks

Cameron

[Brian Levredge]

I'm not sure if Sacramento operates the same as Long Beach, but down here we go to court for possession and the judgement for back rent owed (plus fees) simultaneously. If you already obtained the judgement you still need to take that to the sheriff so they can post the door. Assuming you've gotten that far, then you need to contact the sheriff again, notifying them to stop the process. You can do this even if they have already posted the door.

Court records being what they are, it may take a couple of weeks for the eviction to end up on the tenant's record. Presumably, they abandoned your place because they already found another place to live, so more than likely the new landlord is unaware of what is happening. I'm guessing your tenant probably didn't show up to court either. They usually never do in these situations.