My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California
As a landlord, am I obligated to rent to a potential tenant after receiving their security deposit but not having signed any lease agreements?
After receiving their security deposit, red flags started to arise in our email/text conversations so I contacted their current property manager for a reference.
The property manager informed me that tenant have had issues with late rent, lied on their application on duration of stay, and # of tenants based on their rental application.
I'd like to give back their entire $1000 security deposit and part ways but wanted to check to make sure legally I'm not obligated to rent to them after taking their security deposit.

