change batteries on the smoke detectors, change HVAC filters... 

I just rewired a fairly small 3-bedroom 1-story home, charged $21,000 and when all the tallying was done the cost for wire, metal flex, new light fixtures, 200-amp distribution panel, permits, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, plaster and stucco patching holes, sales commission, labor and overhead was about $15,000 leaving me with a $6,000 profit (30%).

Lack of egress, smoke detectors, ceiling heights, access to furnace boiler, etc so many things that can cause issues.You are asking about whether you should do a lease already sounds like you are trying to avoid an issue by saying there is no lease.  

, doors off hinges, broken windows--unreported and just left broken and open to the elements, heavier wear and tear on flooring than class B, large secret dogs that they are babysitting for a relative in jail for unpaid parking tickets, cigarette smoke smells indoors, broken shelves, home-made (crap) repairs on things, dead cars on the property, dead cars up on blocks on the property, piles of old bald tires, etc...Not all, but some. 

Chipiuk noted that the laws banning smoking indoors were discussed in “government housing.”

The house smelled absolutely horrible, a little bit of cigarette smoke and a lot dog pee. 

Hi Tavis,Live with a roommate in a room vs an apartment = cheaper (or sleep for free at a relatives home).Drive an older car or walk = cheaper.Cook your own meals = cheaper.Have a limited reasonably priced wardrobe = cheaper.Don't drink and don't smoke = cheaper.Have your pay auto-deposited, and then manually move the amounts you need to spend ie. rent and food into another account that has a debit card.

Why can't the renter check the CO2 monitor, smoke detector, and fire extinguisher? 

Clean dryer vent lineFlush Hot water tanksTest smoke & CO detectorsHope that helps!

Buy booze, smoke pot, and vacation 6 months of the year?