Issues getting my Utility deposit back

I rented a house from 1 December 2024 to 30 September 2025, I lost my job in June and managed to get a job in Cape Town starting 1 October 2025, I told them I had to move, the contract stated that if I move out early I won’t get my rental deposit but will get the balance of my utility deposit after they deduct the last months bill, when moving in, the house wasn’t ready or prepared and they never fixed anything, after two months asking about the repairs I decided to let it be, now after moving out they are refusing to pay me my utility deposit which was R3 000, they saying now they fixed the house with the rest of the money, when they know they didn’t fix the house when I moved in, they started by ignoring my emails asking about the deposit and now they are saying I won’t get it back, such horrible company, their manager was rude and dropped the call on me when I decided to call them after a month of emails being ignored, even the admin lady won’t listen to what I’m saying, and what makes matters worse is the agent I was dealing with left the company, so far he is helpful providing all the info as I know it to be.