Barb,

What a nightmare!!!!! I wonder if you're not charging enough - thus attracting a "certain" element of society.

And you could just NOT allow pets at all.

I don't think a contract, airtight, or not, will influence the kind of selfish, pigs that you've described.

A cleaning deposit is essential though.

BE CAREFUL.

You were very wise not to confront or kick them out. People of that ilk could have decided to get their revenge in some pretty awful ways.

I wouldn't have the stomach to be a landlord for this reason.

But you've learned A LOT in your 1st month -- perhaps there is a seminar or something you could attend where other landlords can offer suggestions!

I hope your next batch of renters are much nicer!!!