Tenant left, but management says to pay legal costs anyways

[Henry Der]

Have a few rental suites in Memphis TN who received eviction notices. The Management company checked and they have left.  I thought, great, let's forget about paying the legal costs for court dates, hearings, etc. stop all that, and start renovating.  Management co says I should pay legal costs to complete the process...  I say, what?  After they have damaged the place, not paid rent for 12 month, stolen appliances, and you want me to do what?  They said they can come back and claim ... blah blah blah.  I said they will never come back, otherwise they will have to face paying back 12 months rent....  blah blah blah.  I know management companies like to do things by the book as they are liable for things, and it's not on their backs to keep on losing $$$ in the pandemic...

What is your advice here?