I've heard so many horror stories, and know I am bound to have some myself, but what are some things that can prevent disaster by including in your lease agreement?

I think your proposition would have helped us prevent less calls from falling through the cracks. 

Still, not knowing where you are going is tough.For military folks, eventually they usually decide on a hub where they want to plant roots (usually when kids are closer to school age) and then the hub stays and the party in the military comes back to the hub.You have the VA benefits and they are great.

Also, if anyone has experience with this, what steps should I take to go after them, and what can I do to prevent such issues in the future?

I don't see how a roof leak created a financial hardship that prevented them from paying an electric bill.

Don't let fear prevent you from moving forward. 

If they move out, then you can spend the money to renovate the unit.Lastly, be sure abide by any discrimination laws to prevent potential lawsuits.

Hello to those reading,I manage a family-owned commercial property and we recently received a letter from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection about installing a backflow prevention device.

Can do it but will need legal assistance due to the Alien Business Law that prevents foreigners from owning > 49% of the business or property.  

It was a modern, new build and I'm assuming the remote location was preventing them from getting the ROI they were looking for.