Tenant breaking lease early - how do you Bring up the fee?

[Steve S.]

They are here on a corporate assignment and leaving 6 - 8 weeks early. They haven’t mentioned anything about paying the fee. I have a way I’d bring this up but want some perspective from those that may have had to do it before. 

Fee per the lease is 1 month’s rent. And likely the company they work for would be paying it but I don’t know that for sure and it likely may come as a surprise to the tenant who signed the 18 month lease a year or so ago. 

Thoughts?

[Jon Holdman]

When they tell you they want to leave, just say "remember that your lease specifics a fee of $xxx for breaking the lease".  Then, when you send the accounting of their security deposit, deduct that fee.

I assume your lease and this fee is in compliance with TX law and TX law allows this fee to be deducted from the deposit.