Renter moved out and kept keys and remotes

[Robert Cummings]

my renter moved out April 1st 2016.  he kept the keys and never returned them but sent the remotes back after 45 days or more.  I waited 3 days then changed the locks and purchased and programmed new remotes.  Then, 14 days after the 3rd, i sent the tenants deposit minus 3 additional rental days.  The tenant had left a vacuum which i stored in my garage in case he wanted it back.  The renter sued me, he wanted all his deposit.  He also wanted $350 for his vacuum.  I was late in getting to court and arrived just as he was called to the bench.   The judge, being angry at me for being late, awarded the tenant $1000 plus court costs.  I should not have been late but am appealing.  Question is was I correct in charging the former tenant for 3 days of occupancy beyond their scheduled move out date?

[James Marszalek]

@Robert Cummings, what did the lease state would happen in this case? If nothing, or it's unclear, then it's up to the judge to interpret the situation. My rental property leases have clauses for every situation. If it were my property, the tenant would have lost in court.