Break lease, abandon, unpaid rent & damages, security deposit

[Zack Monroe]

So, here is my situation, in Boston, Mass:

1. Tenant has a lease though 05/31/21. On 10/30/20 they asked to break it early and leave. I started showing the unit which remains unrented for December.

2. Late November, tenant moves out completely, leaves keys , states he has vacated.

3. Tenant acknowledged major damage to the floor.

4. I have $1650 security (from initial lease long ago), rent is $1750, damages may be over $2000.

5. My plan is to use the security to pay for December rent (partially), then demand payment for the rest of December rent ($100) and the damages. This assumes it will be rented for January. If not, then I will demand payment for that.

My question is what procedure should I follow to put this in motion? Should I simply send a letter stating that the apartment has been abandoned, tenant is still responsible for unpaid rent, unless payment is received it will go to court/collections?

I need specifics as to how to proceed.

Thanks for any help.