We're all fighting the same fight.

I don't think you need an attorney unless you are trying to fight it, and usually you won't win.

I am interested in hearing what others have seen that works for those fighting their way back.  

If you're looking to build tiny houses in the area you'll be fighting with each jurisdiction.

We ended up getting a small discount at the end and not worth the effort to try to fight for more as we are still actively getting the unit ready to be rented. 

“telling them verbally” often times is not as effective as “telling them in writing”.The latter also protects you when you have to go to court and/or charge for damages.I like this post as it now makes me go to reinforce my own lease language by giving examples of just what the repercussions will be.My tenants are aware “NOT” to turn off heat when away for vacation during winter time as I spell this out in my lease agreement and now I am going to add to up the cost of this on my damages addendum that also spells out what they are facing in terms of damages on certain things.I always have the statement in there that the prices shown are just estimates, but management will charge the cost of the replacement using current year costs, to include labor.When tenants see a price to something, they freak out and are more inclined to comply.Another suggestion is to add yourself to their Utility accounts as a backup so that the service provider never shuts down utilities for lack of payment.In a case like that, the bill will be sent to you before they shut off utilities thereby protecting your property from pipe freeze.You can threaten to charge them half the cost just to see if they will.They may fight you on that but at least it will register and make them more responsible next time.Sounds like you have some big babies for tenants and need to do some babysitting.Ugggghhhhh.Good luck though and great post as it makes me make not to reinforce my existing lease just to ensure I am applying the same advice, I am giving to you.

@Susan Clark Don't try and wade through the rest of this fight alone.

Which is why insurance is best, they may go after your policy, but they will be fighting very deep pockets defending you.

It looks like more people (not on the lease) are living in the apartment (2 to 4), drinking, smoking, fighting, load music and partying goes on until dawn.

Has anyone ever dealt with a situation like this and is there anything I can do to fight it if they can cap the number of rentals?