I rented a home in Henrico County, VA for 17 months from the owner of the home who only had one home to rent. I lost my job and still paid my rent for 3.5 months until I found a new job but it was in California so I had to move. I turned in my notice on time and the landlord was pleased with how we left the home and wrote us a glowing recommendation letter. We were never late with rent.

He said we would get back our deposit ASAP. After nothing for 2 months, I contacted him and it took him another 2 months to pay us back half of the amount due. Over the next weeks and month he said he was having issues paying as he was in financial hardship. He promised payment week after week and even did the "checks in the mail" routine. Now, he will not respond, to calls, emails. He owes $750 still.

If I lived in the state I would be in small claims so fast it would make his head spin. But I now live in Califonia. What are my options in taking legal moves on him without requiring me to loose 750 dollars in travel costs to come back a sue him?