Your first steps after property damage
Acting quickly and in the right order protects both your safety and your ability to recover for the loss.
First, address safety. If the cause is dangerous — sewage, an electrical problem, a fire, or serious water intrusion — protect yourself and, in an emergency, call 911 or the appropriate service. Do not handle hazardous contamination without care.
Second, stop further damage if you safely can — for example, moving undamaged belongings away from a spreading leak. Reasonable steps to limit the loss are expected.
Third, document everything before cleaning up or discarding items: photos, video, and an itemized list of what was damaged.
Fourth, report the problem and the damage to your landlord in writing, describe what happened, and keep a copy. If you have renters insurance, notify your insurer too.
Fifth, keep records of your reports, the cause, and the damaged items and their value.
Taking these steps early makes any claim far stronger. If your belongings were damaged by a problem your landlord should have addressed, a free, confidential review can help you understand your options for recovery.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.