Early Termination situation

[Serena Sun]

hi everyone,

I have another question today and need your advice.

I have a tenant that he told me two days ago that he needs to terminate his lease early. He has to move back to CA because of job change, and he will move out before July 1st. (so 30 day notice). His lease ends the end of Sep, so he has three month left on his lease. There's no early termination clause on my contract. He has been a good tenant, always pay on time and keep the house very clean.

I said I am ok with him to terminate the contract earlier, but he needs to pay one month rent as early termination fee, and he will be liable for rent as well until I find new tenant. It's a good house, so I expected it to be rent out in one month. He's not happy about the fee and said that I can either ask for a termination fee, or he will pay the rent till new tenant move in, but not both.

Did I ask too much? I searched online, there are various situations. I want to know your opinion.

Thank you
Serena.

[Ryan M.]

1 month is fair.

When people are going to leave, they do. A lease may make some people sleep better at night but tenants will break them in a heartbeat. If a mutual agreement can be made right away it is much smoother. If they feel a person is being bullheaded you won't get a dime besides a judgement and a lot of wasted time.