Both paid on time and are/were excellent tenants.Since the accident just happened, I have not spoken to the family, I have texted with the room mate though to offer condolences and let him know we are here if he needs anything.My plan is to call my lawyer in the morning and get his advice on how to handle.  

Hi @Patrick Senas,This is right up lawyer alley.

and I would say no.And they would ask, “A lawyer?”

I know the first answer is going to be contact a real estate lawyer but instead of dishing out $$ I'm asking the question here because I'm sure someone has run into this exact situation and therefore can offer insight.

He has a sleazy lawyer that is dragging his feet even after we proved we paid the full amount - we think he dragged his feet thinking we'd forget to make the 8/31 payment today.. didn't happen. 

The lawyers that specialize in that kind of stuff are too busy making big money elsewhere, he wasn't quite rich enough, but when the "easy and big dollars" are made, he could very well be next on their list... and he knows it too...

Does anyone know what forms I need or how to start this process without using a lawyer?

Check with a lawyer, but if they are not purchasing an extra ticket to win the raffle, it is just a random giveaway, not a raffle.

Since the prospective tenants can sue, and there are plenty of lawyers waiting to take the cases, this should be fun for the Landlords right?

Our PM has a process in place (including a lawyer), and we're working through the process.