Carry out a personal property levy

California law allows a creditor to levy a debtor’s personal property, or gain possession, to satisfy a judgment debt

In this page:
What is a personal property levy?

A personal property levy is a legal way for creditors to obtain possession of a debtor’s personal property to satisfy a judgment debt. A personal property levy does not include real property.

How do I set up a personal property levy?

You may instruct the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office to serve a copy of the writ and notice of levy on the debtor. The writ authorizes the Sheriff to seize specific personal property for either immediate delivery to the creditor or to sell at a later time.

  • Go in person to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, Room 456, at City Hall
  • Provide the original writ and notice of levy plus five copies of each document
  • Complete and sign your instructions for service
  • Pay the civil processing service fee for the personal property levy
  • Sheriff’s Office employees must have a court order to enter private homes, businesses or secured yards 

After you have completed these steps, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office will attempt to perform your personal property levy

SFSO civil process fee schedule
Levy enforcement timeline
1

The Sheriff’s Office will attempt to seize the levied items and place them in storage

2

The debtor may object to the levy by filing a claim of exemption within 10 days if you were served personally. You have 15 days to respond if you were served by mail. 

3

If the debtor does not oppose the personal property levy, the Sheriff’s Office will arrange to sell the items

4

Proceeds from the Sheriff’s sale are used to pay:

  • Money owed to the original lender if there is one
  • Sheriff’s costs 
  • Judgment debt
Personal property sales

To be notified about Sheriff’s sales, please mail a written request to: 

San Francisco Sheriff’s Office Civil Unit
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl. - Rm. 456
San Francisco, CA 94102

Items for sale can be viewed 20 minutes before the sale begins. All items are sold "as is."

  • The Sheriff's Office prequalifies all bidders.
  • Creditors may use their judgment to credit bid.
  • All other bids must be paid in cash or by certified check. 
  • Buyers may make a cash or certified check deposit of $2,500 or 10 percent of the bid amount, whichever is greater, for bids greater than $2,500.
  • The remaining balance plus 10 percent daily interest is due no later than 10 days after the sale date.

Definitions

Claim of exemption

Form that debtor must complete and file with the Sheriff to oppose a court-ordered levy within 10 days of judgment 

Creditor

Person or business that is owed money

Debtor

Person or business that owes money to a creditor

Judgment debt

A court-issued judgment that specifies the amount of money a debtor owes to a creditor

Levy

A collection enforcement tool that creditors use to collect on a debt.

Personal property

Anything you own that can be moved, like vehicles, or other valuable items 

Real property

Anything you own that cannot be moved, like your home, land, or other buildings

Writ

Court-issued document that begins the transfer of assets

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office cannot provide legal advice. If you have a legal problem, we suggest contacting an attorney. 

CA Business & Professions Code Section 6125

Government Code 24004