Thanks to all for your responses/advice. I will file in Small Claims Court; but with my luck the dollar limit of small claims will increase after my claim is over! How is it that some states have higher limits than others? How often do they increase the dollar limits? Seems that it's been capped here at $3,000 forever. When I do file the claim, should I state that actual amount of damages, or just $3K plus court costs? I got burned once before on an eviction, since I only stated the dollar amount of the rent, and listed damages as being "unknown at this time". I got nothing for damages; inspite of a slew of pictures (before & after) and receipts. How did they expect me to know what all the damages were when the people were still living there? Please respond. Will let you know the outcome. Thanks again!