Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Roommate Stole my things

I recently lived in Cali. I came to NY for a week and while i was gone received a telephone call from roomate stating she took all my belongings. Over 5000 worth. She said she would not release them to me until i gave her a utility payment of 59.00. She had first told me she was sending my stuff to me when I threateneds the police. This has been going on for 3 months and nothing I can do because the place I was living was sold and have no clue where this old roomate now is. Now she states in an email she donated my stuff to charity including a 1500 computer i am still paying on. I beleive she had no right going in my room where I pay rent and took my things becaudse i owed her 59.00...she is just another tenat as well...I payed 600 a month for a room which she had no right going into. I still have the ticket to go to cali but didnt know what to do without my belongings being gone. Does she have a right when I had no knowledge of this. Police says its civil. I would like clarity on how it is civil, I beleive this to be theft. I didnt do anything because she states in an email that she sent my belongings then turned around and gave me ultimatums to get my things. Thank You and i appreciate anything you can give me legally.


Asked on 1/07/06, 11:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Randy Schlosser Law Office of RM Schlosser

Re: Roommate Stole my things

You need to sue her, either in small claims ($5000 limit) or general civil. Keep all the letters she sent you and any other proof. You can hire an attorney or paralegal to file the papers on your behalf, and then only appear on the date of the trial.

Read more
Answered on 1/08/06, 11:13 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in California