What's the most effective way to sue my old landlord?

Details- my old landlord is extremely sheisty(sp?).we were legally allowed to move from our apartment b/c the property is converting to individual units for Sale, instead of renting them out.It was complete hell, and we sent multiple letters describing the horrendous conditions to the landlord, and finally a request to be released from lease agreement due to those conditions. We were given permission to and moved. So, 30 days later, of course our deposit was LATE. Finally we received it, short almost 200 dollars that they claimed we never paid!!! (COMPLETE IDIOTS!). Of course, we have every scrap of paper from the apts from hell, and i went to the office to show them, yeah we paid. So the office lady said ok, amended our deposit return document, and said we should receive a check in about 1 week. Now its been two. Should i send a demand letter for the deposit or just sue them for 3 times the amount wrongfully withheld plus the $100(texas property codes dictates.)?

What's the most effective way to sue my old landlord?
Send them a demand letter. Be short and to the point - just the facts. Give them a definate date that you expect to see the payment by and if you don't receive it file in small claims court.
Reply:just send a demand letter:





(per sallymae on this date - we were promised....)





you cannot sue successfully cause you really have no proof that she said she would do this....you really needed something in writing.





good luck :)
Reply:Go to small claims court
Reply:Why not trying contacting them at least one more time before flying off the handle and suing them. If you really think they are giving you the run-around, then maybe tell them that you will sue. For example, if they say that you will have your check in a week then tell them (as nicely as you can): "Okay, but if I don't have it by then, I'm going to have to file court papers to get my money." Sometimes just letting them know that you aren't going away will do the trick.