I've been renting my house to a friend and his wife for the last 2 years. That was a mistake. They were always late, had dogs, chickens, painted rooms absurd colors, and got paint everywhere. About 2 months ago I sent a certified letter stating that we would nto be renewing a lease and I listed the reasons. They left at the beginning of September. Their lease was up October 31st. They only gave a week notice that they were leaving. I originally told them I would give them $350 for painting the shutters and painting the inside of the house, but after seeing the condition of the house I told them I was no longer going to offer that. They owe me $1800 in rent. My friend actually asked me when I was gonna give them $500 for moving out early. They also never returned me the keys and garage door remotes.
My question here is what should I do? I'm owed $1800 for rent, minus their $450 deposit and $150 they paid toward a refrigerator, but never finished paying on. I'm also gonna have about $600 in paint to repair their mess ups, not including carpet cleaning. Changing the locks was $70 and both garage door remotes were $40 total. Should I file a police report for the keys, remotes, and paint damage? Also, do I file an eviction to sue them or do I have to go to small claims court? I do not know what their new address is. Is there a way I can get their new address?
Thank you for your help.
