But, they spend a great deal of it gambling at the local casino or on cigarettes or going out to the local bars or restaurants, etc., and they can't afford a car because of it, and are always looking for a handout.Then, there are those like me and many of my neighbors, who don't smoke, or go gambling or go out drinking or to restaurants, and always pay their rent on time, and have savings accounts,  and wouldn't dream of asking for a break.It's not just because a tenant can't afford to - or doesn't want to - own their own home, that a tenant ends up in a position to ask you to put up with them getting behind on rent.  

Their gamble.  

You are taking a gamble on what path their life takes in the future knowing the likely out come if it goes bad.

You are gambling with having to pay double damages.

But, they didn't take advantage of this and they weren't just going gambling and then not paying their rent :-)

Your tenant gambled that you would let them break the terms of the lease.  

You have to do the math regarding what it's worth to keep a known hassle-free tenant vs gambling on a new one.  

And maybe some tenants who can't find the type of unit you are offering in that particular area, so they're willing to gamble you'll get the work done on time, and that it will be done right.But, even then, I think you'll be renting to people who will be coming into the rental with an eye that is looking for problems and things to complain about.  

Really, I have to agree with Greg on this one, as far as it being easy to deny them, and from my personal experience, it's worth the gamble.  

It's a gamble IMO and goes against the notion that you should make your money in real estate when you buy.