Hi arbiter,

I was pretty close to your situation. However, I had not signed any contract. My story goes as follows:
I looked for the place to stay through Craigslist. I went to the place, talked to the manager, wrote her the checque including deposit and one month's rent. I was desperate because I didn't have anywhere to go and start my job next day and didn't have enough money to stay in motel more than a week. After I moved in I didn't like the place, which was very small and homeless people were hovering around the house since it was next to the park. I called the lady and got back my checque  which was not even cashed. Lucky me.

However, in your case if you have all the documents with you, you can go to local civil court and find free lawyer and try to get some help. You could have done something as soon as it had happened since 6 months is very long time. So, I'm not sure if you have missed the deadline to file te law suit. I'm still positive that you can find out other numbers for this apartment (most of the time they are big real state companies with apartments in different states) and try to get in touch with somebody other than that lady and tell the story with evidence.  If nothing happens scare them that you will file the law suit against them.

Usually they have free practicing lawyers in the civil court, who will fight for you for free or with very small fee. They do this to get experience and move forward in their courier. Try to find somebody and god will do the rest. Let's hope for the best.

Thanks instinct for sharing your story.

It wasn't an apartment complex, but landlord (landlady?) renting his/her place. I have saved the contract for my own use.

I haven't threatened her yet of any legal actions, but I don't know if I have a strong case here.

Lets see what happens.