Pictures, statements from other people (insurance company, construction workers, firemen, etc...) and having witnesses (other tenants, workers at the property, etc...) are your best forms of defense.

@James Wise@ Michael Sato@Liz BrumerThank you! 

Thanks James!

If you really are interested you can get a consultation from a real estate attorney for a relatively small fee.I do not know the disclosure laws in your area, but where I live, if the property owner has taken reasonable steps to fix the material defense and reasonably believes the problem has been address, then it does not have to be disclosed.

@Steve James, welcome.

That was my first thought as well, but then I got to thinking if he were the only tenant you evicted, he may pull out some discrimination defense.

Thank you @Steve James & @Logan Dickson  :D

Courts can award you all the money in the world but it is solely up to you to collect it and if your tenant is truly broke you will never see a penny of that judgment.The best defense is a good offense so do your due diligence up front and only accept in qualified and "stable" tenants as best as you can.

He's obligated to a fudiciary relationship with both parties but it is the equivalent of have one lawyer for defense and prosecution . .

Originally posted by @James B.