I was renting a backroom of a house.
When I moved in a contract was never signed because my landlord (my landlord does not own the house, she rents it) never thought it was necessary.
There was a verbal agreement for me to say 6 months, which I did.
When I gave my notice it was a verbal 30 day notice, she never asked for anything written.
It’s been well over a month since I moved out and my landlord has yet to return my security deposit and I know here in CA it’s supposed to be returned in 21 days..
Someone suggested I go to small claims to collect it.
The evidence I currently have is:
- Copies of all rent checks made out to my landlord with a note at the bottom that says FOR RENT.
- A copy of my security deposit check made out to my landlord with a note at the bottom that says SECURITY DEPOSIT
- E-mails between my landlord and I discussing the return of the security deposit in which she clearly states she will have it to me by a certain time.
- My new lease agreement showing I had moved into a new place the day I moved out of my old place.

Will this hold up in court or am I totally screwed because there was no written contract or notice? Can I sue her for my security deposit and damages?

Additional Details
I don't have 'official' pictures of the room but I do have pictures in which you have a decent view of the place and you can see that it is not damaged. I also have 3 people that helped me moved out who are willing to testify that that place was in fine condition when I left and about 4 additional people who'd be willing to testify that I never trashed the place.