My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: CA
This was a family rental situation - T is divorced from LL's son and LL is grandfather to T's three year old son. Verbal agreement that T would help LL renovate in exchange for verbal promise of 1. reduced rent for two years, and 2. right to live there "as long as you want, the schools are great." LL did not pull any permits during renovation. T did not violate the lease in any way but LL became a bad-tempered, controlling, verbally abusive tyrant as soon as renovation was complete and T is relieved to be out of the lease. Lease included statement, "If T abandons or vacates the premises, or if LL decides to remodel or sell, LL may terminate this agreement with a 60 day notice and regain lawful possession." LL terminated in third month to "remodel."
What evidence is needed, and what are resonable damages to request in a small claims suit against LL for:
1. Treble damages due to bad faith retention of security deposit (returned partial refund 31 days after T vacated which included a list of bogus deductions and no invoices, claiming he replaced a fence that he didn't replace, etc. When T threatened to sue pursuant to CCC 1950.5(g)(1), he responded he would counter-sue for (bogus) stuff like, "Loss of my wages during renovation of residence," "difference between reduced rent you paid and market rent,"
"Contractor's wages to fix faulty wiring you performed in the kitchen" (LL performed wiring which caued a fire three weeks into her tenancy), replacement of carpet, toilet, etc.)
2. Breach of verbal and written contract/lease (Lease was for two years at $850 per month with no language stating it was reduced rent, back lawn was never mowed, front lawn mowed only up to date 60 day notice was delivered, washing machine disabled on date the 60 day notice was delivered, LL refused to attend scheduled move-out inspection, etc., verbal stuff was, LL never installed faucet in front yard, LL never removed hoard surrounding property, etc.)
3. Unlawful terminaton of lease agreement in retaliation because T was not willing to accomodate LL last minute request for a visit with his grandson on Christmas (LL issued 60 day notice the day after Christmas, LL didn't remodel before installing a new tenant 30 days after T vacated)
4. Unpaid labor (verbal agreement - T assisted with renovating residence in exchange for reduced rent for term of lease but only benefited for five months)
5. Civil tresspass (LL arrived without 24 hour notice three times and instigated a screaming match during two of those times)
6. Financial hardship (is this a thing? T incurred costs to move, is unable to find affordable rent, spent three weeks in hotel before moving in with family)
Thanks for reading all that. I find it very hard to be brief because there's just so much wrong with this whole thing. LL is obviously out of his mind with his threat to counter-sue, and T just wanted her deposit back. Now it's war =)

