Does Anyone Use Early Termination Fee

[Curtis Mears]

In North Carolina, landlords are required by law to find a new tenant if an existing tenant decides they wish to break the lease for any reason. The existing tenant is only required to pay rent for the time before a new tenant is found. There is a benefit for me as the landlord in that there is zero vacancy. However, it seems more and more tenants are breaking leases and then I must make the effort to find new tenants. I am generally ok with this as again, zero vacancy, but, some tenants are breaking the lease after only a few months on a year lease. Does anyone know if I can include an early termination fee? If so, is there a limit on the amount?