I just moved out of a house in Oakland, CA (Alameda County) with 2 other housemates. Somewhat of a confusing situation because the property management company does not deal with deposits from renters. They have kept initial deposit but say it is up to the roomates to collect and return deposits as people move in/out.
Now, upon my moving out, I had not received any letter, e-mail, or phone call regarding the refund of the deposit. I e-mailed and called roomates as I know there is a 3 week/21 day rule in CA for returning deposits. I received a voicemail 22 days after I moved out from 1 roomate saying she would look into it. I then received an e-mail 3 days later sayingtupperware and an iron were stolen by me, as well as food and other miscellaneous items. They say they will not return my deposit because of this.
I'm not exactly sure what I should do or what course of action I can take primarily because I did not take any of their things. Regardless of principle, I also did not think that security deposits could be used for personal items but only for damages that occur to the property that do not include normal wear and tear, etc.
Please help....

