I think the bit about tenant paying for advertising and redecorating expenses alludes to an ETF, but in my opinion a judge would see this as an attempt on the landlord's part to be greedy and collect rent twice, and would rule on the side of the vacated tenant.

For some reason, there is a belief that the housing market is broken and the greedy LL is to blame.  

If they had greedy landlord and refused to return the deposit without clear reasons, they do not want to be take advantage by landlord and to protect themselves.

Seeing it was from Seattle, (home of rental inspections and for cause only 20 day notices), I was expecting a more Bernie-esque, bury all greedy landlords tone, but I actually concur!

Upper management being greedy, incompetent and uncaring.

When the tenant receives the rent increase, if they were a good tenant, they think, wow, I've been an awesome tenant, paid rent on time, never caused any problems and in return this GREEDY landlord has to nickel and dime me and raise my rent $20-$30 per month because he doesn't have enough money already.  

$25 increase to get to market rent will seem greedy, but $25 increase to keep up with market rent and remain below market rent won't.

Oh well, for $5, I tried.May also find some reasonable tasting wines at Trader Joe's at or below your price point.

One thing I have seen over the years is the landlord or PM tells the tenant the property has to be paid for and the banks do not care about their situation.You go from a greedy landlord that is rich to being in the tenants shoes just trying to make a payment to get by and pay " the man ".Not the exact words but you are trying to portray that you have no control over the process and what happens next is automatic if they do not pay.

For all you know, these are greedy twits who never even called her.So, just make sure you do everything according to the law as to how you're supposed to handle the deposit.