Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: can i cash a check from a security deposit

Write a note to the landlord [e-mail is faster] saylng that you believe you are entitled to more but you will deposit the check without accepting it as being a full settlement, only an omission by him that he owes you at least that amount. If there is nothing on the check saying it is a final settlement then is is not necessarily a final settlement. In your note tell him what you feel you should be reimbursed and why, pointing out that if he is not agreeable you will let the small claims court judge decide.