Here's the entire California landlord tenant statute.
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/fa...er=2.&article=
Read it. Study it. Know it.
I don't think you'll find anything in there that allows the landlord to keep your holding deposit and offer you a less desirable unit if he can't produce the unit you paid for.
Unfortunately, a lot depends on what you signed when you handed over the money.
Which brings me to my advice: NEVER hand over the money or sign anything unless the unit is turnkey and ready for move in.

