Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Fine Information

A money judgment is a public record and nonpayment will seriously affect your credit, including your ability to get another rental, whether in San Francisco or elsewhere. Also, your property is subject to seizure and sale, with a few exemptions.

Many judgments go uncollected. Some individuals may be better off with the cash than with the untainted record. My advice to most clients would be that they'll be better off in the long run by clearing up the judgment and having a life than by suffering the consequences. For anyone with property (real estate, bank accounts, securities, cars, etc.) or aspirations (better job, buying a house, starting a business) having a clean record is essential.