I am a pa landlord. Although I specifically stated on my Lease that painting is prohibitted, I did give my tenant permission to paint a "light, basic color". She painted a room navy/black, which was not acceptable. When she moved, I charged her labor and supplies in order to restore the room. I am now being brought to small claims court for the amount I charged her. What do I need to do in order to prepare myself for the hearing? I have before and after pictures as well as witnesses.

Pictures of the blue/black room and bill from a professional painter for the cost of the work HE performed to correct the paint job.

You will also need the lease that prohibits painting and a copy of your instructions to paint a specific color.

Whether you win or lose is going to hinge on the permission to paint. If the tenant has documentation of your permission without the color restriction they will win. If you can prove the color restriction or they can't prove permission, you will win.