Last And Security Deposit

[Rob Dorney]

I have a Tenant that moved out, She paid me first , last and security when she moved in. I gave her last mo nth back when she moved out as Section 8 Paid me Last months. After she moved out I found out that there was a great deal of Damage to the unit. Smoke Damage in Every room, Every door in place was cracked and needed to be replaced. She left garbage furniture behind where I needed to pay to get rid of it etc. I then put a stop payment on the checks as it cost me $4500 to repair the unit. Her security deposit and last mo nth equals 2600. So I am out 1900.  She is not happy. Everyone I talk to says  give her the 1150 it's not worth th headache and I will lose in court. On Principle its kills me to pay her when she didn't care about my apartment. What would you do? Pay her or fight her in court? I have never gone to court but I have been told Judges typically favor the tenant.