Never Moved In, Deposit Return?

The landlord led me to believe the room that I would be renting in her house would be available on July 1st and when I called to inquire at a later date when I could get a key to move in, she informed me that she thought I meant August 1st. I felt I had no option but to wait. I have since had to make other arrangements. It was a big inconvenience, but I just want my $500 deposit back. She has not given me a copy of the agreement that I signed with her like she said that she would and has not returned my calls for a week. What can I do and can I get my deposit back?

[msgny]

Based on what you say here, you could file suit against them (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney...you could try to collect all of the costs and damages that you suffered due to their behavior.

[OHlandlord]

If the agreement you signed with her says you were to move in July 1 and the unit was not available for your possession at that time, she owes you your money back. Sue in small claims as the other poster said. Failure to deliver possession of the premises is a valid reason for return of monies paid.