It costs $100 to file your suit. He will get a copy and have two weeks to dispute and/or counter sue. If he doesn’t respond you’ll like win and the judge will order he pay. You’d want to include legal fees in your claim.

If he disputes this will likely go to mediation session first. That’ll be 3-6 months from the day the court relieves his dispute. The mediation is not arbitration and is more like counseling.

If you don’t reach an agreement it’ll likely go to pre-trial which will be another few months later. A judge will look over your case and speak to both parties about it. The judge won’t actually do anything as it’s not their duty to arbitrate. It’s basically a stop check to not waste time on an actual trial.

If neither party settles by this point it will be motioned to trial. Again several months later. You’ll argue your case. You’ll have to prove the deposit was to be fully refunded.

If you win, you’ll maybe $200 back.

If you loose you’re now out $200 plus all your time.

Not fair, but prob not worth it.