Unreported gas leak, intentional damage to property

[Sara M.]

For the last 18 I rented to tenants who pretty much trashed my duplex. My main concern is there were FOUR gas leaks found in the basement. I noticed right away the day they moved out. The gas company came out and shut off the gas and marked the leaks. The plumber came out said how unusual this is. I asked if kids playing on the pipes (hanging, etc) could cause the damage. He said it’s possible. Is the tenant responsible for this $800 bill? They left the house so filthy. Broke the handles the kitchen faucet, put Pennie’s in the garbage disposal, food in the fridge, evidence of 2 fires. Destroyed the stove top. Broke the storm door off and it’s no where to be found now. Dog pee/poop smell so bad in one of the bedrooms. Her son and his friends intentionally kicked and broke the other tenants vinyl fence (theee broken panels). What’s the best way to handle this?

[Chris Seveney]

@Sara McNeill

Follow what the lease agreement says to put them on notice for the costs and damages to be retained from their deposit