Chicago Apartment Finders

I've had a HORRIBLE rental experience with Chicago Apartment Finders ("CAF") and here's my story in a nutshell: I found a one-bedroom unit in the Wicker Park area of Chicago for $1200.00 The unit was a gut rehab and in good condition, although there was an additional door in the hallway to the bathroom that led to the outside and was unlocked and unlockable. There was also a 1" space between the floor and the bottom of the door. I mentioned to the CAF agent that I was interested in the unit, but the door would have to be fixed before I signed a lease. "No problem" he said. The door would be fixed right away and if the landlord didn't replace the door, he'd do it himself. Trusting his word, I completed and signed the rental agreement forms. I asked the agent specifically about the fee deposit which was for the 1st month's rent and an application fee. The agent very quickly went over the general fees and told me on several occasions that the only fee in jeopardy of being lost or forfeited was the $79 application fee. With that said, I submitted a deposit of $1281 with the understanding that if the transaction did not go through or if I changed my mind, I would be out the $79 but not the entire deposit. Well, needless to say, for personal financial reasons, I couldn't sign the lease. I contacted the leasing department and told them about my situation within 24 business hours of receiving the lease electronically. Although, I contacted the leasing department shortly after I received the official lease, did not sign the lease, and the agent was able to secure a new tenant in less than one day, the company has refused to issue a refund on my deposit. There is approximately 10 more days until the end of the month when the new tenant will take possession. CAF has that tenant's deposit and is keeping mine as well. Additionally, the day that I contacted the closing department, the leasing agent called me and we discussed the miscommunication in the application terms. He expressed several times that he was going to make things right and refund my deposit as soon as a new tenant was found for the unit. Lo and behold, a new tenant was found and now the company has gone sour on its agent's promise. I would not recommend CAF to anyone who is looking for honest representation of contract terms. Their customer service was horrible and non-responsive. I reached out to their Operations Manager without a response and was treated rudely by their closing department manager. Please avoid this company at all costs!!! I'm going to have to file a civil lawsuit in order to get my deposit back :(