previously Sect 8 but bought a house; old landlord is difficult

[Ky Ha Vu]

Hello!!!

So I've been on BP for two years now. Not as motivated as some since it took me 2 years.. Kind of difficult to buy a house since I was under Sect 8 with my family in California. Worked hard in college, graduated, moved out of Section 8 and bought a house in June of 2018!!!! Also took my parents out of Section 8 since I felt that it was time...

The landlord whose house we used to rent from... She is trying to deduct from the deposit. I know that California is tenant-friendly and has laws regarding reasonable wear and tear. Owner is trying to make us pay for two garage clickers (one I lost, second is broken). Owner can definitely charge for the lost clicker but she can't charge for the broken one, right?  She's also requesting that we configure the new clickers. I'm all for walking away and just letting her deduct the $50-odd amount BUT I also want to stand my ground. She was a landlord from hell. We really have no obligation to the house since we moved out July 31st... I'm all for taking her to small claims court but is there a way to settle this outside the courtroom? The deposit is not that much but it's my dad's money. My dad won't stand his ground because he's non-confrontational. 

How would you guys+ladies (CA landlords, especially!) best advise I approach this situation?

thank you!!!