[Zeke]

The best action is a counter suit. In order to have a valid counter suit requires extensive knowledge of your state's real estate law and what he may have done in violation. You have time on your side.

In CA we have so many 30 day notices and whatnot that it makes your head spin. I read the real estate newspaper columns regularly and the only entity that is beyond reproach that I can see is owner "associations." The association boards that is.

Another abuse somewhat high on the list is the keeping of deposits. But here, the wording better be spot on or it won't fly. People who take pics when moving in and having a final walk through when moving out generally get their deposits back unless there is damage beyond normal use. Simply charging a "cleaning" cost when things are clean won't cut it.

Unfortunately, this is a civil matter in most cases.