HELP!

I moved into my apartment in August and my boyfriend and I signed a one year lease. My boyfriend was put in jail and I couldnt afford the rent alone. I called the landlord and explained the situation. He told me that if I could be out that weekend, he would return my $900 security deposit as soon as the apartment was re-rented. I kept in contact with him for a couple weeks but now he will not return any of my phone calls. I have a witness that heard him tell me he would return my money but I'm not sure what legal action I can take. There was nothing in the lease about breaking it. The only mention is that if rent is more than 10 days late there is a $50 fee. My boyfriend told me to tell him that if he didnt return the money I was going to move back in since its so hard to evict people. I dont want to go that route but I really need this money back. I am a single mom trying to give my daughter a nice christmas. Also, we cleaned and painted the apartment. The landlord said he was going to compensate us for that and never did. Could that be added to a small claims case? Do I have any chance of seeing this money?

You should have got his oral promise in writing, but why not take a chance and sue him in Small Calims court.