The temp housing agency found my rental through Zillow and contacted me.

You would have to reach out to a local temp heat company and see what they offer.

He was still willing to stay but the temp in house was still dropping and no power, dark, and reasonable unsafe for a guest so I had him cancel. 

The only days I "hide" in my house is when the temp gets in the 30sAustin literally has a festival every weekend. 

Keeping an entire house at a constant temp is cheaper and easier on your equipment believe it or not. 

My uncle, who lives in Tempe, told me land is cheap and to run from the deal. 

If a tenant 'disappears', it's usually because of financial issues and that they have already been served disconnect notices by the utility company and once power and heat get turned off, they figure that the game is over and move out, leaving a mess and broken pipes behind (especially in the freezing winter temps).  

Do you have a link @Michael Tempel?  I

Examples: New Lally columns and footings in the basement to replace temp. columns, 48 sheets of blue board and plaster in rooms that didn’t need any mechanical work but had bad horse hair plaster.  

@Christian WathneB Neighborhood maintenance is still done, assuming they have been solid tenants and no issues, your lease holds them liable, temps above freezing and furnace at 45, they pay all utilities.