For example if you asked him to only paint a wall but the wall does not look good because the drywall itself is bad - that is not his problem because you did not want the drywall fixed.Specify what it is you want done and if complete you will release the payment. if he disagrees then he may sue and then let the court decide. 

Deep cleaning, new paint, lots of cosmetic repairs.

With fresh paint throughout inside and out, brand-new roof, dual HVAC systems, updated water heater, stainless steel appliances, lighting fixtures, outlets, countertops, and PEX plumbing just to name a few.

By the time he was 16, he had a half dozen part time employees and ads in paper to do various handyman stuff including hanging Christmas decorations, assembling ikea furniture, gardening, painting, building fences, etC.Then came the demon child.  

Deep cleaning, new paint, lots of cosmetic repairs.

We saw a large influx of section 8 re-inspections (and even new inspections) coming back and saying that the properties needed fresh paint, new countertops, etc.

I would have talked to them BEFORE cancelling the painter and given them the option of which way to go, but since you already cancelled the painter I would simply charge them prorated rent for the 5 days until the painting is complete and deduct that from their deposit.

We have minimal resources as far as money goes, but we have a relatively long list of upgrades (window treatments, hardware, light fixtures, paint, etc).

He received quotes to remove the texture ceiling, paint the interior, purchase and install new kitchen cabinets and counters (including completing the design), picked out 2 floorings to get quotes which will be provided this week, and determined furnace is beyond saving (I will likely get HVAC quote for him).  

Recommend you Google "Cleveland lead paint instpection" and read what it says on city website.