Help Recover Sec. Deposit from Landlord and File Small Claim

In late of March, I found an apartment that I was referred to by a friend and went to get the place. I paid my landlord a total of $2100.

I sent them a refundable security deposit of $1800 plus $300 for a 5-day hold for the place. I’ve yet to sign a lease. Unfortunately, after some days, I decided that I’m unable to rent the place out due to certain circumstances and moved out before the month of renting began. The place was fully cleaned and was the way it was the day we moved in prior.

After this happened, I requested them to return my full security deposit, but they won’t do it. Instead, they want to only give me $800 back of the security deposit and have me sign a paper, which I declined to do. They have given me baseless accusations about leaving the house a mess and breaking the law for things i cannot disclose currently when I’ve only been at the place for 5 days and none of my personal belongings were brought in.

Now in my current situation, I’m down $2100, currently in deep financial struggle and no home. I plan to use these funds to cover and file a small claims lawsuit in hopes to at least get my full deposit back, and help me get back up to be able to find a new home. Any help, $1, $5, $10, any kind is be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading and let’s hope things look brighter in the future!