Personal Finance Reference

I moved out of my townhouse on July 31, 2010. My lease wasn’t up until Sept 30, 2010 but I followed MN state law statue 504b.206 regarding domestic abuse to get the heck out of there. I followed the policies (I went the battered womens center for help), cleaned the apt before I left, returned my keys. My deposit was $782. MN law states this:
“REFUND OF THE SECURITY DEPOSIT
At the end of the tenancy, a landlord must return a tenant’s security deposit plus simple, non-compounded interest, (141) or give the tenant a written explanation as to why the deposit (or any part of the deposit) will not be returned. The landlord must do this within 21 days after the day the tenancy ends, provided that the tenant has given the landlord a forwarding address. If a tenant has to leave because the building is condemned, the landlord must return the deposit within five days after the tenant leaves, and after receipt of the tenant’s new address or delivery instructions (unless the condemnation was due to the tenant’s willful, malicious or irresponsible conduct). (142) If the landlord does not return the deposit or return an explana tion in the time allowed, the landlord must pay the tenant a penalty equal to the amount withheld and interest and also pay the tenant the amount of the deposit and interest wrongfully withheld. (143) Minnesota law allows a landlord to withhold from a security deposit only the amount necessary for unpaid rent (144), damages to the rental unit beyond ordinary wear and tear (145), or other money the tenant owes to the landlord under an agreement (e.g. water bills). (146)
When a landlord’s interest in the property ends (for example, because of death, foreclosure, or contract for deed cancellation), the security deposit must be transferred to either the new owner or returned to the tenant. This must be done within 60 days after the current landlord’s interest in the property ends or when the new landlord is required to return the security deposit under the rules discussed earlier, whichever is the earlier time. (147)
If a landlord does not return or transfer the deposit, the court may penalize the landlord $200 for each deposit not returned or transferred. (148) ”
I have drafted a letter to my landlord AND corporate. I do NOT really want to go to court if I don’t have to, but I DO want my 782 back. There is NO reason for them to keep ANY of it, even if they felt they had to, I still didn’t receive a letter. Should I just stick with my letter and hope they send me the 782 plus $200 for their lateness, or should I just take them to court?
I know my landlord wasnt aware of the MN statute regarding me moving out early, but I followed the law to a T, had the BWC help me with it all and even gave my landlord copies of the statute and everything (saying she had to return the deposit). I think she still thinks she can keep it because i broke my lease??? Not sure. Im frustrated because its a lot of money, and my car just broke down and I have 3 kids and need that $$ to get my car fixed!!!!!
P.S. I am NOT concerned about getting the 3x or 2x rent or whatever, I just want what is fair, and that is my $782 deposit back. I don’t want people to think I am lawsuit happy or anything. Thought an extra $1500 would be nice ad def could use it, I just want my deposit!!