Normally, I will give a notice for abandon property

In the notice, I will ask tenant to contact PM or landlord immediately.  If no repsonse xx days (based on state law), you have the right to treat the property as abandoned, remove/store items and change lock. 

Sometime, i cheated a little by move the notice date few days earlier when I am sure it is abendoned.

In your case, send notice ASAP, When you win the case in the court, you could start rehab/clean the property immediately.