It's often a water leak from an adjacent unit that damages the rental but the neighbor owner refuses to take responsibility.

It's not to be use for general wear and tearIt's to be used for damage - ie; anything damaged that the tenant caused during their stay. 

Aloha,I recommend you first meet with the tenant for a routine, brief walk through inspection to check for damages, reported, and unreported maintenance issues.

Either way the damage has been done so the repair costs will be the same.

Aside from the damaged blinds, should I be charging for the presence of the cats?

The band has noise proofed the basement as best they can, but I guess they were still not happy about it.Now I gotten a letter from her lawyer saying if they don't stop they will sue, they've tried to ask for mediation but the neighbor just wants them to stop and if not will ask for monetary damages. 

Consider your areas of risk: what if 1 tenant damages the property, what if 1 is late,what if there's a dispute, etc. 

Any damage to your property from the tree will be your responsibility unless the neighbor was negligent.

You'd be able to sue him for damages for breaking contract.He would be responsible for refunding the deposit along with potential damages for lost opportunity costs 

Depends on your area - i never place signs on the property as I'm concerned it also tells people the home is vacant and thus damage could be done.