I don't know...if enough people are being told their deposits are refundable, and then getting hosed on the fine print, that might be enough to take someone to court, assuming someone was mad enough to do so. Considering the size of the deposit, you might consider taking them to small claims court.

Yes, I KNOW it says in writing "x." And yes, I KNOW verbal agreement Y doesn't trump written agreement X. But think about how many times you've been sitting in a leasing office, being rushed into signing some kind of agreement by the manager and being told all kinds of things just to get you in, get you signed, and get you back out. I think you could make a case, if you were just mad enough to go after it, but just calm enough to handle it in a courtroom.