My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California.
Hi all, my roommate and I have been living in the same apt for an year now. I have always paid the full rent and he has paid it to me later. Our lease ends on 11/30 and he is moving on and I am staying on and I already renewed the lease which starts from Dec 1st. This morning he texts me (so documented) saying he is moving out on 11/15 and that he is not responsible for rent between 11/16 and 11/30 since he has 'to pay the rent for the new apartment'. I can't find a roommate now since I am travelling abroad for next 3 weeks.
Some facts:
1. We have signed a Roommate Release form that releases him from the lease on 11/30 (his official move-out date with the landlord). This was signed on Oct 28th.
2. There was a security deposit ($99) which I paid in full.
3. I spoke to leasing office few mins ago and they said they can't do anything since it was a mutual agreement between the roommates.
What are my options here to make him pay for those 2 weeks? Communicating with him is out of question now. I feel betrayed. I am thinking small claims court. Do I have a case?
Thanks in advance!

