rent arrears due to repairs

Rent Arrears

they are refusing to pay based on repairs we HAVE DONE. for example their boiler broke (no heat but hot water), we gave them fan heaters temporarily but it was in the very cold, had to get part etc etc.

Fridge freezer broke down, we replaced with a reconditioned one that then broke down! they want compensation for food

mould in house, caused by condensation, they want replacement clothes (we have a surveyors report to confirm condensation)

overgrown garden (we got that cut down)

rubbish in garden, which was true and should have been moved

they want compensation for damages plus their deposits back. The one girl says she wants 400.00 damages

any advice? do we get in there first and sue for rent arrears? They are saying they will take us to court if we dont reply in seven days, we only had the communication last sat, bank holiday so it gives us three days...

help please
thanks
MARIE