My friend put down a deposit and couldnt move in and the landlord only gave half of the money back.Is that ?

She is on disability and gets houseing asistance but at the last minute they said she couldnt get a two beadroom. She never moved in but the landlord said she can only have half of the deposit back. Can she take it to small claims?

i would tell her to try small claims or having the housing agency she gets assistance from send the landlord a letter...that should work

Yes, she had the right not to move in without penalty because they were the ones that changed the deal.

She was promised a two bedroom so she gave them a deposit... they were the ones that backed out of the deal not her.

For all we know this person might regularly do this, knowing many people that sign up for a 2 bed, will not be able to take a single.

Furthermore she should charge the landlord interest and any costs she racked up because of it.

I have to correct my first answer, I missed the part about them changing it around on her. I would definately seek restitution. There's no reason for the property owners to keep it.

Well I say the main reason that probably kept part of her deoisit is was for holding her apartment,,Not totally sure... you can contact someone locally about this issue and see what they tell you.. best of luck

Yup.

And she'll win, as long as she can prove she paid the money.