Lease Nullification Issues and Questions

[Kendall Vrana]

In a pickle and at my wit’s end here.

Tenant moved in for 3 months. We are long distance landlords, so we had a cleaner come through, and then allowed the tenants to move themselves in. We didn’t have a walk through inspection, which is a huge mistake and learning curve that won’t happen again. 

Even though they destroyed the house ($6k of damage), I can’t use the before images sent to me because our lease does state that we both sign a walk through form. Fine. 

Tenant broke SEVERAL other rules in the lease (illegal pet, agreed in writing to keep clean and there literally were feces on the floor, etc.). Is the lease nullified because I didn’t do a walkthrough on my end?? I’m ready to go to court but not if there isn’t a case. She is looking at owing close to $2200. 

Thanks for your advice. Kicking myself and then some— never trust people!