Next step for getting my apartement security deposit back...?

I'm trying to get my security deposit back for my apartment which I moved out of January 28, 2007. I've sent two letters to the main office and called my ex-land lord. No one has responded to my inquiries. What's the next step to take in order to get this resolved?
The apartement is in perfect condition - just as it was when I moved in. There was a leak in the bathroom where one of the underground pipes busted putting a hole in the wall and cracks in the floor, but I have a signed document relieving me of responsibility since it was an equipment failure.
I'm just stuck on who to go to, or where to go to, to get my money back.
If it helps, I live in PA. I'm sure different states have different policies.
Please only real answers, no smart-alleck comments. I really need advice.
Thanks!

I don't have pictures of the apartment (which I could kick myself for not doing). I don't have funds for getting an attorney.

Everyone's saying "Small Claim's Court"...I don't even know what that is or where to go for it. Is this something that's done though my county municipal or through the city I live in? (I'm completely ignorant to things of legality)

small claims court!...they'll pay up when they get the subpoena

get a lawyer

Find an attorney.

I would suggest that you have the document you signed as about the equipment failure, and hopefully you have pictures of the way the apartment looked when you moved out. Depending on how long you have been asking for the deposit it might be time to go to small claims, but of course after you get enough of evidence since you have the burden of proof. A lawyer will cost your whole deposit so its pointless to do that. Honestly watch some of these court shows like Judge Mathis, Judge Judy etc..you will see what you would need and how likely you are to win your case, but small claims court unfortunately is the way to go. And I agree with Just Me..the one below me

send your request by certified mail keeping copies of it all. state they have __________days to refund your money, you might go to your local co. courthouse and get a copy of your states landlord / tenant act. the laws do vary by state, in OK we have 30 days to refund once we've received a written request. good luck.

Depending on the amount of money you deposited as your security, you could take the matter to small claims court and make a claim against the company or the landlord. You will need full documentation though, all the necessary paperwork to show that you left the apartment, and the receipts to show how much the security deposit was you paid and to whom. Normally the landlord will inspect the property when you vacate. If you are not satisfied with his/her findings, then you could also bring this up in court. Some landlords can be quite unscrupulous and say that you broke things which were not broken. But there is a clause which states there can be reasonable wear and tear.

I'm in Pa too. If I'm not mistaken,I believe the landlord has 30 days to give you your deposit back or let you know about damages in writing.
Send a certified letter to the landlord demanding the deposit or a written explanation as to why it hasn't been refunded.
If you still get no response,take them to small claims court.

Edit:
Look in the blue pages of the phone book under your county government and go to the section for District court.Find the court that is closest to you and go in and fill out the papers.You have to pay a filing fee,I think it is around $50.00,but you can ask that the person pay that back to you in the lawsuit.