If they existed before you close (or at least before your inspection - as you already noticed them during inspection) , then the tenant is right that they should not be responsible for the existing damages (although the damages might have been caused by the tenants previously) because you bought the property as is.
For those small damages, don't even bother. Get them out ASAP and get them willingly cooperate on the new showings while they are still there will be your better choice.
眼光遠點,與人方便,與己方便