Holding deposit

Hi have phoned to ask if my holding deposit can be paid back and the response was no. I feel violated, because my circumstances changed suddenly and I can not afford to rent the property anymore. I have asked for extenuating circumstances, to pay back my holding deposit, as the flat was not rented even before I app****. I would like my R1500 to be paid back, as money does not grow on trees and it does form part of the the deposit.