After tenant breaks lease, 30 days to account for deposit?

[Jon S.]

Background: Tenant broke 1 year lease, which would have ended Dec 9th. She had some late fees accruing and didn't pay October 10th rent, and let me know Oct 12 by text that she was breaking the lease but wanted to stay tilll the end of Oct. I served 3 day notice to pay or leave, and on Oct 21 she confirmed on Oct 21 that she would be out and done moving on same day. When she left, she left her own (unapproved) deadbolt on the door without giving me a key. After repeated attempts to gain her cooperation to drop off the deadbolt key, but getting excuses from her on getting the deadbolt key, and yet having her text that she was out on the 21st, my maint crew gained access Oct 24th through an unlocked window, and changed the locks. The apt was empty and. Lean except two grocery bags of belongings, a mattress, and she left broken furniture on curb. Later on the 24th she came and picked up 2 grocery bags of belongings, but left the mattress and box springs on the floor and texted that she didn't want it. Our maint crew hauled off the mattress and a broken dresser drawer that she left at the curb. Then they proceeded to paint the unit. It only needed touch up but the prior paint was flat and it was advised that I repaint with semigloss to avoid similar wall paint cleaning issues in future. The apt was left relatively clean but still will require a light cleaning service to be ready for next tenant. On what date do I owe her an amount due letter in regards to her $950 deposit? Does anyone have a sample letter? Can I provide letter via text message as that's the only means of communicating with her? What can I charge her for? I don't currently intend to go after the money she owes but should I include all owed money in the letter? Thank you Here is a copy of her note to me: Good evening john, I have to move out and break my lease early. I had and emergency with my family help and I have to move with my mom to help with every thing. I apologize for the short notice I will be out by the end of October I was wondering if u could use my deposit towards the rent and I pay the res t of it in installments. I will have it typed up so we can both get it signed and notarized so it'd officially I will clean up and mow the lawn. If you c an grant me the time so I can pack and move I will be out before Nov 1st. I am at work at this present time so if u could text me with a response I woul d greatly appreciate it