How do i get my money back from my lying landlord!!!

[Daniel Gonzalez]

Hello everyone,

I recently started the process to rent an apt from a landlord.I gave him the application to send to the association for approval,the security deposit and first months rent.I called the association and they told me i would get an answer in two weeks.Once two weeks passed i get a call from the landlord telling me i got approved and to come get the key.I was very excited picked up the key and the next day i took all my stuff to the apt.While moving in i got a knock on the door and it was the president of the association telling me this apt is not for rent because the landlord owes them over twenty thousand dollars.He also told me the landlord is in the process of getting the property taken away.The president told me to call the landlord and tell him to get my money back.I have receipts of the amount of money i gave him so how do i go about getting my money back and what if he refuses what legal action can i take? Please help (first time renting)