Security Deposit Question

[Zoe Marr]

HI guys.....I have a somewhat complicated tenant issue....any ideas on what to do?

I had a new tenant give me deposit. She wanted to move in September 15th, so she also paid me for half of September and signed a one year lease. Come October 1st I reach out and asked when I can get the rent and we agreed on the 5th. Come the 5th, she tells me that she can't afford it and wants out of lease. The same night ( she had never really moved in) she went back to the apartment and removed all of her belonging. She's now been reaching out to get the deposit back. I told her to go to court, but she's treating to come to my house. These are not the most "logical"people, and I feel like she made me loose on a month of rent, so why should I refund her. The lease does state that deposit can be used for unpaid rent......any thoughts or similar experience?