I got rid of an old desk that was missing two drawers, and furniture that even Goodwill would reject.  

That way you have an "expectation baseline" and you can negotiate from there.It also builds some good will for future inspections.

Also, if you aren't a slumlord, those who are good will generally stay for a long time.I am not sure about other states, but Section 8 in Indiana has stared cracking down on landlords.

I also stumbled across writing the companies a good will letter to try and have the accounts removed.

Trying to put enough compound in that area and make it look good will take some effort and time for someone who has never done it before.

Goodwill and blue sky are worth little or nothing.

It builds good will instead of nickel and diming everything.Try to be proactive about recouping costs, but don't  make yourself crazy about it either.  

Chances are that you are going to be OK with a few different options in the same general price range, so let a good tenant make the final call and engender that much more good will.

That will build good will and the tenant will likely be more cooperative in entering the new rental agreement.If the tenancy is ending, chasing the late fee is likely to be futile, but invoice for it anyway.

But if it's someone with whom you worked with in the past or hope to in the future, then letting them know and building a relationship is a must.There is such a thing as "good will equity" and contractors, typically, have a running log in their head of where people stand.To help soften the blow, I give them a head's up on other work coming down the pipeline and let them know I want them involved, if it's a job they'd like to have.