Documenting damage the right way
Good documentation right after the damage protects your ability to recover, because memories fade and items sometimes have to be discarded. Act promptly and be thorough.
First, photograph and video everything before you move or throw anything away — the damaged items, the source of the problem (the leak, mold, sewage, or pest evidence), and the overall scene. Capture close-ups and wider shots.
Second, make an itemized list of what was damaged, with each item's description, age, and value, and gather any receipts or proof of purchase.
Third, preserve evidence. Keep damaged items if it is safe to do so, since they support your claim. For items you must discard for health or safety, keep your photos and note why you had to throw them out.
Fourth, save all communications with your landlord — your reports about the underlying problem and their responses — with dates.
This record ties the damage to the landlord's conduct and establishes your losses. If you have documented your damaged belongings and want to understand your options, a free, confidential review can help you evaluate your claim.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.