Security Deposit withholding

[Ben Chapman]

Need advice! My property manager just had to evict my tenant. The tenant had paid an $1850 security deposit. The tenant failed to pay Oct and Nov rent. The case went to court and the judge ruled in my favor at the beginning of November. The tenant subsequently moved out and the property manager sent me the move out report for all of the things that needed to be fixed to get it rent ready. The work was roughly 4k. My property manager requires 1/2 of the money down to start the work to get the house rent ready. I asked if I could just apply the balance of the security deposit to cover the cost. Can someone give me some insight as to how the security deposit gets distributed? I was under the impression if they break their lease and cause any sort of damage, that the security deposit gets forfeited and gets paid to me. The remaining balance for any damage or past due rent gets billed to the tenant in some fashion, either through collections, wage garnishment or civil suit. Any and all information is appreciated.