Screwed again.

Being a landlord myself, I tend to think you are getting shafted a bit, or at least taken advantage of. The FIRST THING you need to do is educate yourself regarding your state's laws regarding Landord-Tennant conduct. Go to your state's homepage, and do a search. Larger cities will have a link on their websites as well.

Now, here are a few things in your post which don't seem quite right. You recieved your check 6 weeks after vacating? Sounds like a pretty long time, check the state rules, and DO charge interest if you can, it may be all you can get and certainly helps your case. Also, there should have been an itemized statement detailing the $1500 bucks worth of REPAIRS (not upgrades) for damage directly caused by the negligence of you the tennant, and occuring exclusively during the period of your tennancy. If it was due to his lack of upkeep (and you notified him of the problem in writing), you are off the hook. Beyond that, there is typically an allowance for "fair wear and tear." In a nutshell, you are only responsibile to make it as good as it was when you moved in. So if it wasn't NEW when you moved in, you aren't required to make it new when you move out. Again, you state publishes guidlines which spell out exactly what the landlord can charge you for and how much he can mark up repairs. You have the right to see reciepts for all work done (since you are paying for it!)

Next major BS flag is the rent due after you moved out. Were you terminating the lease early? Did you give adequate written notice? It sounds like you were asked to move out earlier, was this in writing? If so, you do not owe a dime past the day the landlord asked you to vacate. If they are charging you rent during the time the property was vacant, most states require this to be seperate from the deposit.

The moral of the story...
1) Educate yourself! There are laws written to prevent arguments and hurt feelings. Learn and use them.
2) If it isnt in writing it dont exist. Actually no, but it sure helps you make your case! Paper is cheap.
3) If you can afford to rent, you can certainly afford to buy! Call a Realtor and see what a professional can do for you. There are plenty of creative financing options out there that can get you into a place without a massive down payment.