Jay,It seems all 3 properties are rentals for some or all of 2015 and will be reported on Schedule E of your 2015 income tax return. 

If you have even a small hole you missed behind a wall somewhere, a gap around a pipe or electrical stub a mouse hole or any cavity whatsoever the sound is gonna come right through that spot and all your efforts will be mostly futile.

As a result, the landlord doesn't obtain the proper damages from the lawsuit when oral assurances are brought into the equation.

If I recall correctly, I kept most or all.  

You have the problem of an Oral discussion vs Oral contract vs a written contract.This is a sad case as both of you made mistakes; you orally made a suggestive remark which he took as a promise.IMO, you ought to pay him for his time+effort and refuse the rent change.You better start documenting who said/did what when, make the good will gesture, and try to stay out of Small Claims.

I'd guess that initially you were a little surprised/afraid that you might lose most or all of your deposit because of damage caused by you and your cat.You said a couple of time that you will use your understanding of being a tenant to help you be a better landlord. 

If you can absorb the impact of losing some or all the tenants raise the rents.  

That's like saying you want to remove all bacteria or all pollen. 

Also one of the tiles at the front door has a crack if you could maybe replace it or all of them that would be really nice.

ONLY one person should ever have responsibility for communication with the tenant, and nothing should ever be just oral without written follow up.