Renter Broke Lease still wants deposit returned

[Quinton Kocher]

I have a good tenant breaking his lease 4 months early on 5 days notice. He has cleaned up the apartment well and he believes he is entitled to his deposit. Is he right? Property is in NC. No backfill identified and will take some time.

[Steve Vaughan]

I say the best I can do is stop the rent clock as quickly as I can by re-renting it as soon as possible. If they know of a qualified applicant it would help. 

Otherwise, I appreciate their work at move-out, bit tough sh*t. What they want isn't always what they get. They had a legal contract and obligation and broke it, leaving you in a big bind.  Legally, you should be right to withhold until re-rented. Some would argue until the lease runs out, but I wouldn't hold to that. Good luck!

-Not legal advice, just what I'd do -