Can I include a claim for damages done to the premises during the term of the lease?

You may file a claim for damages done to the premises during the term of the lease. However, if the Tenant is still in possession of the premises at the time of the Dispossessory hearing, you may not recover a judgment for damages done to the premises at the Dispossessory hearing, because the extent of the damages and cost of repairs cannot always be accurately ascertained until the Tenant has vacated the premises. As a general rule, another civil action is required to obtain a judgment for any damages done to the premises.