Collecting Damages after Move-Out

[Angie B.]

We are still fairly new to this- we've had two turnovers- one was very easy (next tenants moved in the same day, we didn't even have a chance to shampoo carpets for them) and the second, well, due to smoking, cigarette burns in carpet, and cat pee, among other small damages and missing things, the total bill exceeds the security deposit and pet fee. We will be trying to collect an additional $900 from our former tenant. I am pretty sure she will be unable to pay the total within 30 days. I think she will offer to make payments. What would you do? Accept payments? Charge 1.9% interest on remaining balance each month? Take her to small claims court? Tell her we'll knock off $100 if she will pay it all this month? I know she will ask- and I think the longer it drags out, the less likely we will get paid.