Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

What is your connection to the problem? Why worry about something you have no stake in and may not have all the facts?

If they have not paid the October rent and the landlord has not demanded it yet, that would suggest they both feel that they are still in possession. if they still have the keys they are still in possession. You have to ask both groups what they are thinking.

The tenants are right. They both owe rent for and are entitled to use and possession of the premises until Nov. 5th. If they have not paid the October rent, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer action the same as if they were still living there, as long as they have and claim right to use and possession of the premisies, but I can't see why the landlord would want to bother. Easier just to take the unpaid rent out of the deposit and/or sue in small claims if there is not enough deposit to cover damages and rent to Nov. 5, than to go through the whole UD process.