Stealing deposits is such a scumbag crime. Typically stealing $3000 from someone is considered a serious felony but for landlords it is common practice. For anyone reading this, I would highly recommend your ex-landlord them to small claims court for this kind of crime. The forms are not that hard, the Judges are sympathetic (the landlord is blatantly committing a crime), and it is very satisfying to know that the law can protect you from the criminal elements of society. I would also add that in California, deposits must be put in an interest bearing savings account and paid back with the interest. Make sure they pay you the proper amount. Ignorance of the law is not a legal defense and it helps establish criminal intent.