My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

Hello. Everyone. ME an my ex roommate signed a one year leasing contract with a condo owner from june 2013 to may 30 2014. Its a two bedroom condo. On Dec 2013, i moved out from my apartment, because I had issues with my ex roommate. Anyway, i was going on a trip from dec to march. And i was gonna still pay the rent untill he told me that his family will live in my room for a couple of months. And he did tell me they will be paying the entire rent, but he didnt tell me how long they will stay, he said may be on month. I asked him over and over again, he never gave me solid answer regarding the exact length his family will stay in our condo. So i was not sure if i should still pay my portion of rent, because i didnt want to pay the rent for his family's staying since he didnt tell me how long they will stay. it tured out his family lived there for at least 3 months. He told me only one months. what?????


After i moved out, i stopped paying the rent. And my neighbor told me his family moved in after i moved. Perhaps most important, the owner did terminate the contract after i moved out, my name and his were still on the contract, which should be valid, right? And my ex roommate still lived there till may 30 2014 with his family.So on may 30 2014, the owner told me to come to the aparment regarding moving out. I couldnt make it because i had final that day. i told him earlier he had to give my portion of deposit to me. But he said i had to talk to my exroommate regarding that. And he also mentioned that if i didnt come, he would give it to my roommat. So now, the owner gave my portion of deposit of $725 to my roommate without my permission. We paid half and hafl before moved in, the total is $1450. how should i get my portion of deposit back since he didnt reply to my texts. i want to sue the owner. Help is needed. thanks.