Quote Quoting Ellensue
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We put a holding deposit down on a specific unit in a large complex after received notice that our security cleared. Today, we were notified that the current tenant wishes to renew their lease so we have to move into a less desirable unit. They told me that this is California law. I can’t imagine that is true, as it totally dismisses the purpose of the holding deposit.

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.