Property Manager messy breakup

[Brian Horwitz]

I have had a property manager taking care of my properties for the last 6 years. I have 25 SFHs and one person handled everything. Unfortunatley as I grew and learned, I realized she wasn't doing a great job. Homes were left in poor condition, repairs weren't done right, and tenant phone calls were being ignored. On top of that, late fees were being pocketed without giving me anything. I Decided to move on from this manager 2.5 months ago. After giving her 30 days notice, I took over the management of my properties. Everything is now going great. Unfortunatley, she is withholding over $4,000 in rent money she collected for me. What are my options to recover these funds? I realize getting the money may not happen but I want to make her squirm on principle. I was thinking a small claims suit and a report to the real estate board so this person stops collecting money for people. My main goal is to stop her from operation so other people don't get taken. Thanks for reading

Brian