Streets and Highways Code section 6550

In order to obtain a deed, the purchaser of the property or his assignees shall, 60 days prior to the expiration of the time of redemption, or 60 days before the date of his application for a deed, request the treasurer to send a written notice by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the owner of the property purchased, stating his intention to apply for a deed to the property purchased. In addition, the treasurer shall have the notice described in this section served upon the property owner by a process server pursuant to Section 415.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure and verified pursuant to Section 2009 of that code. The term “owner”, as used in this section, is the name and address of the property owner as shown on the last equalized roll for taxes, and any person whose name appears as owner on the records of the county assessor’s office which the county will use to prepare the next assessor’s roll. However, if the owner of the property has not been personally served at the end of 60 days after posting the notice required by this section, and if reasonable diligence has been used to find and serve the owner, the notices mailed and posted pursuant to this section shall be deemed adequate service. In such a case, the notice requirements of this section shall be deemed complied with upon the execution of the treasurer of a certificate stating the nature of the efforts made to personally serve the owner and that the owner cannot, with reasonable diligence, be so served. At the time of making such request, the purchaser or his assignee shall pay to the teasurer the following sums:

(i)

For issuance of the notice and mailing the same by certified mail and for cost of preparation of the affidavit required by Section 6552, the sum of three dollars ($3).

(ii)

For search of the last equalized assessment roll to determine the name and address of the owner, as defined, the sum of three dollars ($3).
(iii)For service of the notice and verification thereof.

(iv)

For posting the notice as required by this section, the fees provided by Sections 26725 and 26746 of the Government Code. The notice shall include all of subdivisions (a) to (f), inclusive, with subdivision (a) printed in at least 14-point boldface type.
IMPORTANT FINAL NOTICE

(a)

Your property located at (address) was sold by the city (or county) treasurer on (date of sale) because you did not pay for ____ improvements made in your area. You can still save your property, but you must pay what you owe by ____. Contact the foreclosure clerk at the treasurer’s office at telephone number ____ to arrange for payment of this debt. You will receive no further notices regarding this matter.

(b)

That the property has been sold to satisfy the bond lien.

(c)

The date of sale.

(d)

The date, number, and series of the bond.

(e)

The amount then due.

(f)

The time when the right of redemption will expire, or when the purchaser will apply for a deed.
The treasurer shall immediately, upon such request being made and payment of the required fees, send a copy of the notice addressed to the owner of the property purchased as shown on the last equalized roll for taxes, and any person whose name appears as owner on the records of the county assessor’s office which the county will use to prepare the next assessor’s roll. Such notice shall be mailed at least 60 days before the expiration of the time for redemption, or 60 days before the purchaser applies for a deed. The treasurer also shall post a copy of such notice in a conspicuous place upon the property, if a survey is not required to identify and locate the property. Any travel fees incurred in attempting to post such notice shall be charged in the same amount as is provided for an actual posting in Section 26746 of the Government Code. Such notice shall be posted at least 60 days before the expiration of the time for redemption.

Source: Section 6550, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=SHC§ionNum=6550.­ (accessed Apr. 24, 2025).

Last Updated

Apr. 24, 2025

§ 6550’s source at ca​.gov