Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
I'm renting out a single family home on a standard 1-year lease.
After 5 months, my tenant told me he intended to break the lease because he had no money, he stopped paying rent, and days later he packed up and left. The house is an absolute disaster with a multitude of severe damages, and it will cost me a fortune to restore and re-rent.
I would like sue (although he probably has no funds) for non-payment of rent and repairs. What are my best steps to take here?
Very grateful for advice.
2 Answer from Attorneys
Small claims court has a limit of $7,500. If the damages are more, more than likely the former tenant will not even answer a civil complaint. Then, you can obtain a default judgment in short order, and attempt to pursue collection. A judgment is good for 10 years, and may be renewed for another 10 years thereafter.
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