After tenants moved out, I discover they had extra people & pets

[Nerissa Marbury]

After tenants moved out on June 30th, I discovered they had extra people & pets living at the house (both were explicitedly against the lease agreement). The house had excess wear and tear and damage that is above the amounts I collected for cleaning and security deposits.  Is it possible or does it make sense for me to go after back rent for the extra people (there is a different monthly rate for additional people) as well as request funds for the pet (lease said no pets, but if one was needed additional fees and a non-refundable deposit was required).

Since I will have to go to court anyway (for the damages that cost more than the deposits collected), does it make sense for me to go after money not paid due to the breach of contract I'm only discovering (I have physical proof) after they move out? I suspect the additional people, but since you have to give notice before you can enter the property.....they always covered their tracks.

Please advise. I'm coming out of more money than ever due to tenant neglect regarding my property and would like to recover whatever I can within the confines of the law.