Except as otherwise provided by statute, where the method of levy upon property requires that the property be taken into custody or where the levying officer is otherwise directed to take property into custody, the levying officer may do so by any of the following methods:
§ 687.030.Methods of Taking Property Into Custody
Title 9. Enforcement of Judgments · Division 1 · Chapter 7. Levying Officers · Enacted 1982 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 687.030 gives a levying officer three ways to take property into custody when a levy requires it: moving the property to safekeeping, installing a keeper to watch over it, or otherwise obtaining possession or control of it.
Full Text of § 687.030
(a) Removing the property to a place of safekeeping.
(b) Installing a keeper.
(c) Otherwise obtaining possession or control of the property.
Plain-English Summary
Not every levy calls for the same handling. When the method of levy on a piece of property requires the levying officer to take custody of it — or the officer is otherwise directed to do so — § 687.030 lists three available approaches, applicable except where some other statute says differently.
The officer can remove the property to a place of safekeeping, install a keeper to maintain custody where the property sits, or otherwise obtain possession or control of it through whatever means fits the situation. The statute doesn't rank these options or require a particular one; it leaves the choice to the officer based on the property and circumstances involved.
How the officer handles property once it's in custody connects directly to § 687.040's liability rules and § 687.050's special lien for unreimbursed costs of custody.
Frequently Asked Questions
What options does a levying officer have for taking property into custody?
Section 687.030 lists three: removing the property to a place of safekeeping, installing a keeper, or otherwise obtaining possession or control of it.
Does the statute require the officer to use one specific method?
No. The officer may use any of the three methods depending on what fits the property and the levy.
Does this section apply to every levy?
It applies where the method of levy requires taking the property into custody, or where the officer is otherwise directed to do so, except as some other statute provides differently.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1364, Sec. 2. Operative July 1, 1983, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 1364.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: levy custody of property californiakeeper levying officer california