Cincinnati Tenant Trash Fines

[Michael Hooper]

I own a quadplex in Cincinnati. I just changed property managers because I had a number of issues with the previous manager including letting 3 of the 4 units go vacant in 3 months. There is currently 1 tenant still in the unit, and one just moved out on Monday. The one that just moved out put all their trash by the road, not in a bin. My property manager went over today to inspect the unit after move out and found a citation on the door for $750! They told me they'll pay it and charge the tenant, but don't expect anything.

The first question is, is there even a way to prove it was the tenants trash? I feel like they could say it was the other tenant or even just that it wasn't theirs. 

The second question is can I charge it to them and at least take it out of the deposit, which was only $600, but at least I only eat $150 at that point.

The last question is, the citation said I could appeal. Do I have a chance at winning in a game of he said she said? I live in Tennessee, so I'd have to send my property manager, which will cost me more money. I'd hate to send them if I'm just going to have to pay it anyway.

Has anyone dealt with this before? Thanks.