The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.

Also, the state of formation is likely where internal disputes would be brought among LLC members, so if you and a partner live in CA, you probably want to arbitrate in CA if the two of you had a disagreement.

I know this was posted 5 months ago,  so I hope you found a resolution to this situation.

They might pay more attention to you/offer a resolution if you continue to document your experience with them on different online venues. 

The tenant will need to determine if it is worth their time to pursue any disputed amount. 

When I called the Co. to complain, they said I'd missed the deadline to dispute it and I was S.O.L for 2 years.

Yes, the situation does suck and lots of blame to go around but I think that good ole conflict resolution deserves a chance. 

A good manager doesn't want to create more work for themselves with turnover, inspections, disputes on deposits, days vacant.......and an anxious landlord

As is true with any tenant/landlord disputes, the court's ruling is likely to be rather subjective.  

Also, breakups are significantly more frequent with unmarried couples and that creates more turnover, inability to pay rent, deposit disputes, etc. and that means no profit for the owner.