Where can I seek free legal assistance in landlord-tenant dispute over security deposit in LA?

I moved out the apartment on April 28, 2007. I initiated a move-out inspection to avoid misunderstandings regarding the return of my security deposit of $550. The on-site manage said everything is fine and okay after the inspection. Apparently, the owner of the building went to visit the apartment and checked the units including mine and said to the manager to charge me $200 for apartment cleaning. I was not there when the owner went to visit my unit. So after 21 days, I got my security deposit. I got a check for $159.88 and it stated there that my security deposit is $350. They deducted $200 for apartment cleaning and balance of $150 plus interest is being given to me. I have the lease agreement and I can attest that I really paid $550 for my security deposit in 2004 not $350. I sent a letter regarding these issues to the property management office but they haven't gotten back to me. So I want to know who can help with this regard.

You can sue the landlord in small claims court.

You are required only to return the apartment to the same level of cleanliness as it was when you moved in. The manager said that everything was fine during the move-out inspection, and hopefully you have that documented.

The landlord is allowed to withhold only what he paid to have the apartment cleaned. If he hired an outside agency, you are entitled to see the invoice.

Do you have a cancelled check, or receipt, or notation on the lease, that indicates you paid $550? If not, then your word alone will likely not convince a judge that your deposit was $550.

Also, you can sue for up to three times the amount of security wrongfully withheld.

I didn't go into depth on the website, but you can find some useful information: http://www.rentlaw.com/californialandlor...

http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/landlordbook...

I would read over the landlord book, I have given the website address. Please note:Under California law, 21 calendar days or less after you move, your landlord must either:
Send you a full refund of your security deposit, or
Mail or personally deliver to you an itemized statement that lists the amounts of any deductions from your security deposit and the reasons for the deductions, together with a refund of any amounts not deducted.194

I hope this helps you out.
S