I'm in complete agreement with the policy and only wish it would be enforced more aggressively, though I appreciate Mindy and Ned's explanation about the constraints, and I offer my thanks.For me, the forums are about content, not sales or self-aggrandizement.

There is some interesting case law in Texas involving buyers and sellers trying to enforce damages on purchase contracts for failure to perform.  

At worst you did not lose.I doubt this rule will be enforced, frankly.

I would contact your local city building and ask for the office that handles code enforcement and rental law/ stuff.

Giving tips for easy preventable maintenance cannot necessarily be enforced, but I don't see why renters wouldn't follow it if it means a better living situation for them. 

We use 10% with the option to enforce a $5/day above that if needed.

Depending on state law, you may need to work with the title company or law enforcement agency to complete them to produce their log for review of the specific entry applying to your situation.

Rich - I think this is a great idea, as long as some guidelines are put in place and enforced (I assume through moderators of the forum).

This is pretty new stuff with no history of enforcement so we don't know exactly what will fly in what states.My uneducated guess is that it might work once but if you do it over and over, they'll nail you.

Along those same lines, why not ask a law enforcement officer to recite case law for you when he hands you a ticket for careless driving, afterall, it is his opinion!