Yes, although the landlord might claim that taking the money created a contract, and therefore argue that they can use it for the first month's rent.
In Texas, you can only get your deposit back if your application is rejected and/or you have 3 days from the date of application to chane your mind. After that, you are not eligible to et your "application deposit" back.
Normally a security deposit is paid before the lease is signed. Once your lease is mutually signed then you have the right to move in.
If you have not signed a lease then yes, you are not tied down. But you may lose your deposit and/or your hold. But you should be refunded your first month's rent. If you have signed the lease than its a diffrent story. You can not back out of a lease unless the appartment ownership lets you. It is noramally a large fee (around $3500 in some instances). Take care
Well, there is nothing to stop you from breaking the lease, however, the renter does not necessarily have to give you back the deposit (if there was a deposit required).
You can, but you will probably not get back your security deposit.
If you signed the contract, then you must abide the terms. If it clearly states that you do not get your deposit back, then there is nothing you can do. You might be able to work out a deal with the landlord to clean your own house/apartment to his satisfaction and then get the money back - they make deals like that all the time.
Hell yeah the only thing non refundable is application fee & administration fee.
No, you do not. It's a down payment, not a security deposit.
No. You mother's illness is not your landlord's fault.
If you have a lease agreement with a fixed term (Example: a typical 12 month residential lease agreement) then you cannot get out unless you get the Landlord's permission.
Technically, yes. If you never took residency (and never accepted keys to your unit), there could not possibly be any damage that was caused by you. However, you may wish to worry about fees involved in breaking a lease - you may have to forfeit a month or two's rent!
No.