You are a contractor .Well I have some news for you , I have to hire a painter to re paint , a lawn service to mow , and a handyman to replace the screens , and thats just what I see .  

., most likely.What I think I'd do, though, is charge them your time at a reasonable hourly rate for the time to clean it up, and any other money you spend on it - if you hire someone to re-paint the driveway, etc.Then, if the tenant sends you a demand letter or files in small claims court, you can deal with that - if it happens.I think the main thing is to be sure and meet the deadline for sending the tenant the itemization of deductions from their deposit - on time.And, if they disagree with your decisions, you can then negotiate, or see them in court.Most tenants don't sue.  

Every wall had to be repainted (not sure how they got so dirty, stained and scratched).

However, the very same day we signed the lease and I handed them the keys, they asked if I could re-paint some of the walls to a different color and change out the closet doors to mirrored doors.  

Got it cheap and if you use the same color, it's easier to touch up or just paint from floor to eye level, without having to repaint the whole apartment.The good thing about painting some really neutral color like that, is that it won't go out of style.  

I'm redoing the counter tops with something more updated (some type of granite) and repainting the cabinets white and adding new pulls since they're in good shape.

Repainting wallsOne approach for determining the amount that the landlord can deduct from the tenant's security deposit for repainting, when repainting is necessary, is based on the length of the tenant's stay in the rental unit.

I'm now at the point where I have two applicants that can move in for July and I'm having a tough time choosing between two of them.Application 1 (3 related + 1 friend) - application was submitted first ProsPlenty of income to pay - 5x+2 with great credit (>700)work with a friend who gave a good reference1 attended the same religious institution i did so I'm less inclined to think they would mess up the unit which could be naive 1 year of rental history with no issues paying a fairly higher renthigh job security (family business)Conshigher chance of short term rental - I'm basing this on their young age and the fact they could easily decide to move out on their own2 with bad credit (<600)Young - early twentiesbasement will need to be used as an additional bedroompotential parking issues (4 cars)"kiddish" rooms would need to be repaintedApplication 2 (1 adult + 4 kids)Proshigher chance of long term rental (>3 years) - I say this because the last two locations this person stayed for 3 and 4 years only to leave when the houses were soldfit to the house - in that the rooms are decorated "kiddish" now and don't need to be modified at all ie. repainted, etc)paid same rent for over 7 years w/no issuesCons43% of income to rentBad credit (<600)  - I'm told this is the result of issues with the absentee parentI should also say i have a relative who is a lawyer involved in real estate so he's prepared my lease and helped me out with what can be done legally etc.

Kitchen molding repair/repaint and replace - $23.00.It does not matter if it was scratched by a service animal, a pet, a comfort animal, a nurse or uncle Louie.

Not sure your white painted countertop will hold up but repainting is easy and should it be an issue it would be an easy fix.