Property owner denying access to heavy equipment

**artherd** · 01-04-2009, 05:30 AM

My question involves personal property located in the State of: California.

I have equipment at a client's house. (work is finished.)

2 weeks ago - the client claims someone damaged his neighbor's house with one of the pieces of equipment. (possible but unverified.)

He sent an email saying "Neither you nor anyone from your company is allowed on the jobsite until all parties are satisfied. The lock on the gate has been changed."

He has been unreachable for the last 2 weeks, and I need my $45k worth of equipment back.

Civil court?

**Mr. Knowitall** · 01-06-2009, 06:02 PM

How long are you willing to wait?

How about going to the local constabulary and asking if they will assist you in the recovery of your equipment, by standing by as you collect it from the premises? If they will help, you get your equipment back. If not, you can start the protracted process of getting a court to order its return.