My question involves a security deposit in the State of: California

Hello,

Moved into apartment from a listing on Craigslist. I was moving cities and rushed into a roommate situation. Initally was told I was going to be on lease and ran my credit to make sure I could paid bills. Was asked for a 650 deposit prior to moving in which I agreed to. Lease was never brought up to me from this point and I was never officially on the lease. The roommate came back one day and told me he was moving to India and that I would have to call his parents to get the check.

There are now several issues. Landlord is upset and wants to take a portion of deposit now since he didnt give a full 30 days notice, said she will bill deposit for 12 days of rent since notice was given on the 12th. I am not able to stay there for 12 days and have found another location to stay, I am paid til the first and she is asking I vacate by the first so she can fix the place up. The parents are saying I have no rights to the security deposit since I signed no lease and I would have to take their word and they will give me whatever they think is fair when the security deposit is released. I was only a tenant for 3 months, what types of rights do I have considering I never signed on to the lease. Everything was paid in checks which I have copies of and notes written on the checks stating deposit check and rent check. Can I take the parents to court since the son is out of the country for a long period of time.