No they did not give up their rights. See my legal guide for more information. https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/california-security-deposit

What is the grace period in returning a rental security deposit by a land lord after 21 days?

You can go to small claims, but will have to show the landlord retained the deposit in "bad faith."

What's the point of a bench warrant??

It is frustrating that you appear and he does not. But, now there are warrants out for his arrest. Any contact with law enforcement and he faces...

What can be done RE a contractor who walks away without finishing the job agreed upon and takes the $$ ... ?

File a complaint with CSBL. Copy and paste: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_A_Complaint/

How can I find a lawyer to help me ?

You are the victim of a crime. You to report this to the police. Have the police make a report.

Restriction order violation ?

If he violated a domestic violence restraining order he potentially is committing a crime. It is still possible he will "get in trouble." The...

Defamation by privacy intrusion ?

Your post lacks details. You may be able to get a restraining order protecting your personal email, phone and texts. Or you could have a lawyer...

How do I maintain a temporary dom violence restraining order?

I am not sure exactly what you mean by how do you maintain a temp domestic violence order. There is a lot of information needed to answer this...

There are lawyers who sue for false imprisonment and other civil causes of action when LP acts unreasonably and the client suffers "actual...

I am newly disabled and my apartment does not have an elevator

Google legal aid organizations in your county. Some will offer assistance with landlord tenant issues for free. See if they can help. Also,...