@Nathan G.The problem I see with this is how a court would interpret "necessary trip."

Even if you'd win in court, you don't want them calling the city and complaining about you either.

@Scott Houin  and this knee jerk reaction to get a lawyer is stupid to the 10th power.. no one does that over a few hundred bucks.. if they STOLE all your rent money that's one thing.. but this is a simple matter if you don't like what they did fire them.. but get a lawyer lets get real the people that would say that have Zero experience in litigation or legal matters.. its just a default saying.. if your really that upset .. maybe you take them to small claims court and see what judge judy has to say about it. 

It is no different than an attorney being held to a different standard in court. 

Failure for us to come to an understanding about this may result in me having to file a police report for theft and harassment as well as seek compensation in court for my lost rent... 99% chance that a higher up tells the employees to knock it off. 

And then it went to court over this.How could this have been avoided?

Show up to court with the photos and tell them what day you cut the weeds on.

Second, read your Declaration, By-laws, and House Rules.

Worst case scenario is I get sued and have to pay twice the deposit back in damages via small claims court.

And a mother with a child in danger in court?