Question from newbie landlord

[George H.]

I  am a new landlord working for the military (civilian) and seldom at the property so I do have a property manager who seems pretty good. During the 6 month walk thru my pm realized the tenant were slobs. They are responsible for lawn care and keeping property neat and clean. They were permitted 2 small dogs. There was dog waste all over the unkempt lawn, and had a cat and 3 kittens in the basement leaving it smelling of cat urine and the place was a mess. She informed them they need to clean the place up and upon the next visit it was clear they were not responsible tenants. They were given the option of getting things in order, or moving on , thus forfeiting deposit.

They chose to move out in 45 days and would be released from the lease provided property was move in ready, It was not.

I assumed when asking pm if they chose vacating they lost deposit. She said of course. I thought breaking the lease was cause for deposit forfeiture and any damages beyond normal wear and tear would be their responsibility. The pm noted what needed to be done to get rent ready and even noted in red text what was not normal wear and tear. It seems the pm expect the non normal wear and tear ‘should be less than the deposit’. So no repercussions from breaking lease?

I know many will say ‘good riddance’, but I would prefer filing small claims against him on principle. I have a good deal of experience in that area from a prior business i owned in Florida (and even made pm aware I was willing to go this route on my own. This guy is active duty military and I know they sometimes can ‘motivate’ a member to get his affairs in order.

So, in closing (yes, finally), is it common to just write everything off and settle only for deposit? Or is pm just taking the easy road, even with me filing claim and dealing with it?