Tenants Asking to Break Lease Due to Threats

[JJ Jameson]

Thanks in advance, this is a long post!  My tenants requested to break their lease due to threats made by one of their family members ex-boyfriend.  Apparently this ‘ex’ worked with my tenant and was fired for making threats.  My tenant’s wife is pregnant and they also have a toddler.  They say the house is being watched and that a shooting occurred outside the house, however have not verified.  The only evidence they provided is an email from the employer that said the man was fired.  No police report.

A side note is I discovered these tenants had 3 unauthorized dogs in the house a few weeks ago and served them notice of lease violation.  They said they remedied and I did and inspection. 

Anyway, I am willing to let them out of the lease as I don’t want to risk anyone getting hurt.  They have been there 5 months of the 12 month lease.    My lease states the penalty for early termination is 30 day notice and 2 months rent.  They have paid July rent already and I have 1 months deposit, which would cover the penalty.  

I feel bad for these folks and want them to feel safe, so I’m looking for guidance before I tell them they can break but I will keep July and the deposit per the lease agreement.  Are there any legal issues with this?  Thank you!!