My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

I signed a 12 month lease starting 8/1/2007 to rent a room in a house for $725 a month. In December 2007, I gave the property manager a notice that I am moving out to another place, for that it became an unsanitary, unpleasant living environment.

I was told by the landlord that I needed to find someone to take over my lease, and so I did search for one, but unfortunately, many potential renters were dissuaded by the state and atmosphere of the premises.

As a result, I continued to pay rent until February, and that is when I just couldn't afford paying anymore. I have been continuing the search for a possible sublet, but I was unsuccessful due the reasons mentioned earlier.

The landlord has filed a claim against at a Small Claims Court. Trial date is on May 7th, and I was just served yesterday, April 27th, and it wasn't by mail, I was given the order by property manager.

One of the tenants in the house is supporting me and is willing to go to the trial as a witness.

My questions would be the following;
1) In the order to go to court form, it states that if I did not get served at least 15 days before the trial, I may change the trial. I need to do that because the witness cannot make it on that day. So I was wondering how can I change the date?

2) What do you think about my claim vs. the landlord's?

3) I would really appreciate any advice in regards to this since I am an international student on my freshman year and I have no experience with such matters.

Thank you.


P.S: A copy of my claim and the lease can be PM'd if anyone would like to take a look at it.