That's the only thing I'm dead set on with the plumbing and marble budget.I would do ceramic tile all over and seal every year or so, or stained/sealed concrete if you can.I also use 20" ceramic tile for my counter tops with a painted/stained wood bullnose.  

I think for the carpet she has a legitimate reason to take your 1400 though over 5 years you might argue it should be replaced regardless of whether there are pet stains due to ordinary wear and tear.  

However, they left countless holes in the walls; stained carpet which had to be replaced ... and here's the kicker--- they used Liquid Nails to glue every single window shut in this 2 BR apartment! 

They don't stain, never need to be sealed, don't chip/crack as easily as granite, and if you pick them well no one can tell the difference from real stone.

that garage is an eye sore. need to tone that down. do this:add shutters to the front window, match that color with the garage and front door paint. it needs one mature plant, ideally, something with color (blue evergreen garden variety (dwarf size). nice buy. ideally, garage door could be made to look like a wood stain, and shutters match.

Any time their is any sort of stain or smell, I always run the expense BIN Shellac primer ....

We can easily show the stained carpet.

There is certainly a stain in that picture, but the photo itself does not appear to reflect mold. 

When when moved out, the carpet downstairs was full of ink stains.  

Next thing you know, you've got a greasy spreading stain.