The post explained the problem with getting deposits back very clearly:
> This is because apartments at both of these levels quite accurately assume that you can’t afford a lawyer - while it’s normal to put down a month or two worth of rent as a security deposit, it’s much less normal to get it back; the apartment complex has no reason to give back thousands of dollars they can simply keep.
When you were younger, were you (or your parents) able to afford a lawyer? Even if you couldn't, did you at least look or sound like you could? You seem to assume that this person has the same tools available to them that you do, and maybe that's the assumption the post is trying to get you to revisit.
The "tool" is to stand up for yourself. Actually having to get a lawyer is very rare. You can also simply take them to small claims court, no lawyer required.
The thing is, nearly all these people trying to take advantage are bluffing. Call the bluff, and they fold immediately. They're just testing to see if you're a sucker.
But if you did leave the apartment damaged, they're not going to cave and you're going to forfeit the security deposit.
> This is because apartments at both of these levels quite accurately assume that you can’t afford a lawyer - while it’s normal to put down a month or two worth of rent as a security deposit, it’s much less normal to get it back; the apartment complex has no reason to give back thousands of dollars they can simply keep.
When you were younger, were you (or your parents) able to afford a lawyer? Even if you couldn't, did you at least look or sound like you could? You seem to assume that this person has the same tools available to them that you do, and maybe that's the assumption the post is trying to get you to revisit.