Illegal eviction?? My landlord is taking us to court to get us evicted for nonpayment of rent.

The papers where filied before rent was even due. I am due on the 10th of each month. I am behind 353 for May, but feel that I had a right to keep that since necessary repairs have not been done to the place, like electrical problems. They where notified 4 months ago and still have not fixed it. They where told 3 times verbally that it needed to be done. I need some advise so that I may prepare myself for the court hearing and win the case. Since it is a small claims I do not have to have a lawyer present. Not only this but they are also trying to obtain 5,000 dollors that they say is going to be due for nonpayment of rent, utilities, and court costs. They are in a finacial bind and I feel that they are trying to scam me. The utilities are not even in their name. Pleas help!!!!