apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

In my apartment we did not have to pay any kind of security deposit when we moved in 2 years ago. In the past it seems I have always paid a security deposit that was refundable in whole or in part depending on the condition of the place at move out.
In our apartment, we were told we could paint as long as we paint back to white when we move out. I have painted a couple of walls. Within the last few months, and under new management (large apartment complex) the complex has gone downhill fast. They are letting loud tenants move in who trash the courtyard, parking deck and public areas. There are often drunk/drugged people walking around the buildings at night. Our complaints have not made any difference. We need to get out of here - as a woman I don't feel safe any more.
Should I even bother painting the walls back to white? I kind of feel like I have been run out because of poor management. My lease says absolutely nothing about security deposits or 'redecorating fees' or fines.

I am an 'Other' with a crappy, crappy, cheap, cheap, cheap apartment to which I can do anything I please. So far that has meant some strange and slightly incompetent DIY work, but I'm loving every minute!

For those like me who cannot paint per lease agreement, has anyone had success in creating an Addendum to the agreement that states you agree to repain the apartment to the specificed stock color they use upon your exit and at your expense? I am debating doing this; I am growing very tired of white walls! Thanks for any advice!

Waylon - Depends on where you live and whether the city you live in has some form of rent control. LA has rent control I believe.

Here in SF we have pretty pro-tenant protections - you can only be evicted for "just cause" and even then you have an opportunity to fix the problem if its fixable. Like repainting your walls.

I faced the same problem when I moved into my current place. The lease said no painting. I quickly decided to just screw it. So I painted. If my landlord decides to throw a hissy fit for some reason, I can just paint it back to Landlord White and there really won't be much he can do about it.

Besides, I think I've made his crappy place look a lot nicer!

i'm not allowed to paint, but i do as much as i can. i epoxied my sink & tub. i put a temp frost on the windows. i put up shelving.
you kinda have to take everything w/ you.