Won’t give back my deposit

My sister moved into the sharing premises in 2017. In 2018, she moved to a different room where she shared with 2 other girls. She claims that all of them were too excited that they just ticked off the inspection list. However, every time inspection was made, they would verbally declare all the defects of the place as they discover them. Most contracts actually give tenants 2 weeks to actually jot down all defects as they know you won’t be able to see all the defects the first time you move in. One of the defects was the common room couch was had a cigarette hole in it. None of the 3 girls smokes. At the end of 2018, one of the girls moved out and she received her full deposit.

In 2019, the 2 remaining girls (with the same name) continued to stay in their rooms. At the end of 2019 when my sister decided to move out to be closer to her medical campus, she was then charged an exorbitant amount which included the burned cigarette hole couch as well as a missing dustin. The dustbin was taken by one of the cleaners to which the girls reported the matter at the office. The last remaining girl was not charged anything and is still staying in the room. It seems my sister was charged for all the defects including the burned couch was they declared a long time ago.

I got a refund of R40 from R4190. I thought this was a mistake so I sent an email to inform them (Lebogang Seeletse) and they said that was the correct amount. I later called her to explain and she seemed like she understood and promised to pay the full refund. She didn’t. I decided to visit the office with my sister and the other girl who is currently staying there as a witness to everything. They explained the story, Lebogang Seeletse again understood and said she will pay the refund but till today I haven’t received anything.

I approached my lawyers who sent them letters of demand but they simply just ignore everything. I’m now going to go the small claims court route, wish me luck.