My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California
I have just moved into a new duplex and at the time my April rent was due my landlord was on the premises. I tried to hand deliver the rent but he insisted that I mail the money orders to the specified PO Box he has. A week or so later he came stating the rent was not received and if not given to him with the late fees included he would hand me a 3 day notice. I borrowed the money and paid him in the meantime I contacted Western Union and was told the Money Orders had both been cashed. I have copies showing what was written on the MO's before they were mailed. The information on them now is not the same. I am in the process of following the necessary steps from Western Union but was told it could take 4-6 months before I could receive anything back. My landlord is not willing to work with me regarding this issue even though he has seen the paperwork I am filing.
Upon moving in I had to pay first, last and a deposit is there any way those could be used towards my rent for May? It is not easy to come up with another $850 to replace the missing rent.

