I would not retain a lawyer though for such a small amount of money as the lawyer is likely to cost more than the amount owed to you.

I added this to my lease+++++++++++++++++If Tenant retains possession of premises after the expiration date of the lease without Landlord’s written consent, a fee of seventy dollars ($70.00) per day shall be imposed until possession is returned to Landlord. (2) If Tenant hands possession to Landlord with the rental property extremely dirty, the holding over rental charge of seventy dollars ($70.00) per day shall be charged against Tenants deposit while professional vendors clean the rental unit.

(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), a landlord who receives a security deposit or rent prepayment for a dwelling from a tenant who fails to occupy the dwelling according to a lease between the landlord and the tenant may not retain the security deposit or rent prepayment if:(1) the tenant secures a replacement tenant satisfactory to the landlord and the replacement tenant occupies the dwelling on or before the commencement date of the lease; or(2) the landlord secures a replacement tenant satisfactory to the landlord and the replacement tenant occupies the dwelling on or before the commencement date of the lease.

As I transition into being the landlord I want to be able to retain my sense of humanity and goodwill during the Christmas season and give my future tenants a little more than just a roof over their head.

Retaining earnings?

They would have to then pay this attorney a retainer that would be probably at least a couple thousand dollars.  

Ie deteriorating roads, failing retaining walls, bad roofs. 

I retain the option of paying down the mortgage or eliminating it altogether.

You may need to retain your own attorney.

I would retain a lawyer to draw up an agreement between you and the homeowners.