Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

Yup. He has up to four years after you move out if you had a written lease, and two years on an oral agreement, to pursue collection of anything he thinks you owe. If you don't think you owe it, you can refuse to pay and wait to see if they sue you; then defend the suit based on whatever reason you think you don't owe it. Your other alternative is to file an action for declaratory relief that you do not owe him anything.