Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Re: How do I collect money owed to me from my friend\room mate

Obviously, you cannot "force" your roomate to sign an IOU or a promissory note, but if you tell him that you will feel more secure, he might agree to sign such a document, which is evidence of his indebtedness. You could bring a lawsuit without such a writing, you could probably prove his indebtedness without it. You should learn that it is wise to get a writing at the time of making the loan, but not essential.

Re: How do I collect money owed to me from my friend\room mate

Obtaining a judgment and collecting on it are two different things. If you get an IOU and you sue and win... you are still in the same place, and out the filing fee for court.

With a judgment, you can garnish wages, bank accounts, seize cars, houses that are owned free and clear, take business proceeds, lottery winnings, etc. But in this case, I think you will have to be patient to get anything.