WHy dont you ask your lawyer what to do ? 

This attorney can be found through the Ohio State Bar's lawyer referral service.

Young man, I will have you know that my emotional support hippo entitles me to [bla bla bla] and [bla bla bla], and if you refuse to accommodate, then you will be hearing from both my lawyer AND I will  be posting a very critical review to your yelp!"

If it does, you might consider buying your own water meters ($80-$100ish) and installing them, just to see what happens.I am not a lawyer and the following is not legal advice: Even if you can't legally submeter and charge the tenants for actual usage, I'm pretty sure you can install the meters for your own personal entertainment and education, and see how much each unit is using. 

When tenants choose to 'not behave' according to their contract, you should always try to remedy the situation by holding them accountable and then, if the still choose not to cooperate, find a creative way to 'encourage' them to move out and leave the house in good condition, without putting yourself at the mercy of judges and lawyers. 

That might be all you are wanting.A local lawyer is probably a better idea.

Handle the admin, rent collection, bank deposits, accountant, lawyer, etc yourself.Hire a handyman or trade contractors for the repairs and cap ex.Leasing could be you or a realtor.That is how I handle it and how I recommend.Good luck.

Asset protection is a specialty so unique that even between lawyers there is a select few that really know their stuff.I understand you took years out of your life to learn and master the lien laws in MD but how many of the posters in BP have that kind of experience and knowledges?

Hi guys,  my son-in-law talked to one of the lawyers that he works for and he stated that I would not owe him a deposit back?

Still, check with a lawyer in your state.