I moved out of former landlord's residence 01Dec06. Prior to, landlord performed a 'walk-thru' of the premises stating that everything looks great! I had to leave a washer/dryer set in the basement for a couple weeks. Try to call landlord prior to moving out to verify leaving the washer/dryer would be alright with him. He didn't answer, I left a message, he never responded.
Moving day came & went. A week goes by, tried calling landlord to retrieve washer/dryer & to give my new contact information; he didn't answer, I left a message, he never responded.
Another 2 weeks go by, tried calling again, didn't answer his phone, I left a message, he never responded.
Another 2 weeks go by...same deal as above.
Tried calling his real estate agent to see what she could do. He told her that he would try calling me that evening to sort it all out. He never called.
Tried calling his father to avoid having to pursue legal action. He didn't answer, I left a message, never responded.
Sent a certified letter stating that I would pursue legal action if he didn't respond with my security deposit and washer/dryer. Never picked up certified letter from post office.
I went to legal office. He wrote a letter stating that legal action will be taken to correct this issue if he doesn't respond by a certain date. That date has past.
Question:
I am pursuing legal action through small claims court this week. The lease agreement states that if the landlord fails to pay the security deposit back, that I can sue him up to 3x's the amount. I can't sue him 3x's the amount because that amount would surpass the small claims limit. What legal justification can I use to justify suing my former landlord over the amount he originally owed?

