Leasing Company - Terms and liability

[Lisa Simpkins]

We recently leased a home to allow us some time to find land and build a new house.  This is not my first rodeo in rentals, private landlord, and leasing company. When we moved in the previous renters left a ton of debris (wood/fencing/old carpet etc..). It was undeniable that the leasing company did not have the home inspected or professionally cleaned, fire alarms broken and missing, light bulbs burnt out, carpets filthy, windows inside/out so dirty you cannot see out of them, 1/2 inch of dust and dirt on the ceiling fans, window sills, bathrooms not cleaned...just a complete mess. Additionally, there are several items, that I, as a homeowner, would have fixed, siding falling off, damaged, cracked ceilings. I did a walkthrough before signing the lease, but the former renters were still in the property and were assured by the agent it would all be fixed... NOT! 

I have sent several emails to the company to have these items repaired and also noted the condition of the property w/ pictures (25). All they would do is offer me a $200 credit towards getting the house cleaned.  I want to make sure we are not held responsible for any of this when our lease ends.  What else should I be doing to make sure I do not fall victim to a - Absent landlord making $$$ off us....?????