Early lease termination

[Mario Bellavia]

Hi All,

I have a tenant that just moved in, March 1st.  We signed a 2-year agreement, early buy out clause of 30 days notice, 1 months rent.

He is giving me a hell of a hard time now, he is breaking the lease for a better opportunity.  I told him our signed agreement states the early termination fee is 1 months rent, he wants to give me half and hasn't paid anything this month, his last month with me. 

Should I bite the bullet and accept the half months rent or take him to small claims court for the full amount? 

I have another tenant already lined up, a signed lease and new deposit but I feel fully entitled to the termination fee, it was spelled out in the lease agreement.