In the lease agreement we have, there is a section for "Destruction of Premise".

They’re arguing that the deposits belong to the tenants, but I’ve always understood that the deposits are mine until the tenants move out and the unit is inspected.Any advice would be much appreciated.

But I understood that there is California Code that enables and limits what laws cities and counties can enact and enforce.

They are your customer but that doesn't mean they can dictate how you run your business.We texted and waited 24hrs then posted a notice on the premises.

I've never understood how you can do well with mid term rentals.

Understood.

The premise remains the same, as does my warnings.

I never understood why one would want to pay a low interest mortgage off early:- the difference in rate of return for appreciation of a 80% LTV vs 50% LTV is 2.5x.

The OP's premise is these properties are managed by a property manager versus the owner.

A good mentor would take the time to make sure you understood what he was talking about, how to apply it and answer your questions.