I guess his cashed checks would be reciepts but i don't think they said "deposit" on them anywhere. Also, if he can't or won't get this money from the former roommate, I'm thinking John's deposit is essentially in the collective deposit which I don't get back until I move.

The rental company does not grant partial deposits when one person on the original lease moves. That was the whole point of my old roomie trying to get it out of John. Thus, I don't know why he doesn't understand I DO NOT get any of this money until I move out.