Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

I don't doubt that what you are renting is an illegal unit, but you need to know for sure that it is illegal before you attempt to dodge paying the last 9 days' rent. You need something from the City or County, before you move, indicating that the unit is illegal. If you are just speculating that the unit is illegal, then your only possible defense to paying the rent could be worthless. Also understand that if you don't pay the rent, you'll probably get sued even if you are correct, and have to deal with it in Court. For the money 9 days rent might cost you, might be cheaper to just pay it and move on.

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I agree with Mr. Gibbs, and would add that the illegality, if present, may or may not be a defense to a suit to collect rent from you. Some kinds and instances of illegality act as a total bar to the collection of rent. Others may (for example) require the landlord to fix a dilapidation, make a repair, file some paperwork, etc., but would not impair his right to demand payment of rent from a tenant. Tread cautiously.