My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California
My tenants just broke their lease 6 months into a 12 month lease. I told them they are responsible for all obligations of the lease including rent until the end of the lease term or the unit is re-rented. The unit is still not rented, but they are asking for their deposit back.
I know they are responsible, I just don't know how I can collect what will be owed to me.
Do I have to give their deposit back within 21 days according to CA law and then sue for the amount owed as a result of the broken lease, or can I legally withold their deposit to cover some or all of the amount owed?

