Your first steps after a flood
After a flood, put safety first — avoid standing water near electrical outlets, and do not use appliances that got wet — then document everything with photos and video and report it to your landlord in writing immediately.
Once it is safe, move belongings out of the water and begin drying what you can, but photograph the damage before you start so there is a clear record. Report the flood as an emergency and ask the landlord to dry the unit properly, because moisture left in walls and floors can lead to mold within a couple of days.
Keep receipts for any damaged items, note the date and cause of the flood, and hold on to your written reports. This paper trail matters if losses add up or the cleanup is done poorly. If your landlord does not respond or leaves the unit damp, a free review can help you understand your options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.