My understanding, at least in NY, is that in small claims, the other party is expected to be able to ONLY recover court costs. I'm not sure the defendant is even allowed to bring a $1000/hour attorney in, to intimidate the planitiff, as it'll certainly upend the logic and spirit of the small claims system.
I'm a landlord, and I find I usually replace blinds when people leave. It seems the cost of labor here greatly exceeds the replacement costs, certainly from consumer friendly places like "Blinds to Go" in my area.
I beleive the argument can be made that the landlord is making an end run around the principle of "wear and tear", by calling it a "repair" cost.
I can even see if he got another renter coming in, leaving in pristine condition again, and zap that guy with another $85.00 repair cost, for the same three broken slats. What would prevent him from storing the broken slats, and putting them in when the next tenant leaves, claiming the tenant did it??
Check with someone in small claims, and I'm pretty sure he can't start hiring $1,000/hour attornies on matters on $3.00 slats, and zap you with the bill. I beleive you have a good chance of prevailing, and as two can play the game, get your own $1,000/hour attorney.

