But once your ex-tenants cash it or deposit it its fair game subject to various exemptions - if you already have a judgement against them.If their only income is federal assistance, and they don't have a plethora of assets, you'll be wasting your time and money litigating this further.

OP you may try the angle that the property manager advised with the threat of a complaint being filed with the real estate commission.. and see what that gets you.these issues are never worth litigating.. you will spend that much or more in attorney fee's and get nothing.. thats usually a lesson folks have to learn once in their career.. only one who wins in that scenario is the attorney... thats a fact.  

Practically, a buyer wants as much as can be had and seller just wants to sell the property at minimal cost without litigation.  

You need to look at the service members civil relief act.

Also why would you want that liability as god forbid there was a fire and sprinkler didn't work you would most likely have criminal and civil charges against you (note I am not a lawyer)

I am a Civil Engineer and have worked with Engineering Ministries International (eMi) in Costa Rica as an intern after finishing my undergraduate degree.  

California Civil Code ??

One option would be reaching out to your architect or civil engineer for the project to get clarity on these issues.

Previously, I was working on RMBS litigation as a contract attorney. 

It sounds as though the individual is looking for someone known as a "commercial litigator", someone who handles business disputes; possibly between a contractor and owner, contractor and lessee, or contractor and subcontractor.