If you placed a $1,000 deposit for a home that you never signed a lease for where the application stated that there was a non-refundable fee of $35.00, you are entitled to the return of the balance of your deposit since you now do not want the unit.You have not forfeited your $965.00. I would write the person who holds the money demanding its return by a certain date. If not returned by then, your option is small claims court.