@Colleen F. we lost in court using "deposit forfeit" language. 

After some litigation the court rule the SOL had run on the prior mtg and my insured's lien was as insured.

They will get the claim dismissed or settle it outside of court for significantly less than the tenant is claiming.

This scheme had been attempted, and it was shot down in court.

I am primarily concerned it is a matter of inhabitability if no usable shower is available for 3 days and that could hold up in court if they chose to go that far to get full days rent off.

If you do go to court for eviction, the mediator/judge will want to see a record of non-payment notices to demonstrate the tenant is not having a one-time hardship.

It also usually requires opening a special bank account and depositing the rent and/or getting court approval.No rent = eviction notice. 

May have been an actual choice, or simply unaware that you should have, either way a court case on this would go nowhere.Use it as a learning experience for the next time around.

So what can a young free attorney do in court?

It's easier to get them out that way with the courts.