Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: property

Such disputes and problems with rent and utility payments and the like are part and parcel of having roommates (a hidden cost, if you will). Small claims court is probably your best option, but you generally need to be able to find her. A P.I. may be able to track her down, but the cost may outweigh the amount at issue, since most used furniture is practically of no value.

Re: property

To be able to sue her, you have to find out where she is. If you can't find her, then see if you can serve her by publication. Once you get a judgment against her, she may want to get that mark off her record and will make good on what she owes you.