re: Suing someone out of state

In college i rented apartments. Seldomly, did a receive any of my security deposit back. I never beat up the property, but the landlords always seemed to find something to justify them holding onto to my deposit.

I think a lot of small claims courts would side with a landlord as well.

That said, if he already told you he was going to return your $500, you need to hold him to it. Especially if you have a record of him doing so