Business ProfileforCandlewood Property Management, LLC

I am a grad student at the ******************************************** and I was trying to find student housing. I found a property through Candlewood and I was told to apply for an apartment I was interested in leasing. I had to pay $25 to apply and my mom had to pay an additional $25 as a guarantor to apply separately. I also had to pay a pet fee. After viewing the apartment, I declined due to the poor condition of the apartment and building. The apartment smelled of smoked and marijuana. I explained this to the manager of Candlewood and requested *********** back. I was denied return of the deposits as it was not their fault the apartment smelled of smoke and marijuana and in poor condition. I was further told that I could not receive my pet deposit back either and had to work with a 3rd party to get that back. I realize the laws have changed and the landlord can do basically whatever they want without recourse. I have a good rental history and rented the same apartment in ********** ** during undergrad. I have very limited funds working part-time and going to grad school full-time. I feel their policy is detrimental to lower income families. Collecting fees prior to signing leases. Affordable housing is very hard to find. I felt pressured into completing the application because of the lack of affordable housing. I appreciate any help you can provide to get my deposit back. I have found alternate housing but have to pay much more and take out more student loans to afford rent. Thank you.