Repairs and Inherited Tenants

[Reaz H.]

So I have inherited this tenant couple from the previous landlord. After observing the property for a while, I've come to the conclusion that the landlord was very lax with the rules and these tenants are going to be a bit challenging. For instance, the landlord gave them verbal permission to paint the unit. They chose a tasteful paint but they only painted half the apartment (all rooms minus bedrooms) and have "too been busy with work" to complete. Since they already did this before I picked up the property I did not make a deal of it (instead I've been trying to make them pay their rent on time). I've asked them to finish the job asap and to return it to original state when they move or be liable for the cost of doing so. I am not sure how to enforce this.  

And then their ceiling texture started to peel off at different places soon after they moved in so naturally they want me to repair it. This is fine because I deemed it as "natural wear and tear" rather than something they did. However, after talking to my GC, who recommended a full ceiling popcorn removal, they got the impression that the apartment will be under construction and they are trying to figure out if I am going to reduce rent. They don't want to pay rent for a place they can't stay in. 

So in cases where the unit may need such work, what do you do? Personally, I am planning a strategy of only repairing areas where the peeling is excessive i.e. the guest bathroom and guest bedroom. And thus they will have access to their home. I don't promise any discounts. What would you do?