Tenant claiming "domestic abuse" to break out of 1 year lease -NC

[Franklin Faircloth]

Hey BiggerPockets, I have a scenario that I have never had to deal with before and i'm looking for advice! This is in North Carolina.

I have a great tenant that moved in 6/1/2019 and signed a 1 year lease that would expire/renew on 6/1/2020.

I just recieved a letter from her asking if she could break her lease because she has a reported "Domestic Abuse" situation ongoing and doesn't feel safe living there.

Her father co-signed on the lease with her, they have not missed a payment yet and are very good tenants. We recently installed a new package HVAC system for her in the property which wasn't cheap.

I am wondering as her landlord and manager what I should do and also what I can do.

Do I have to let her break her 1 year lease early because she is claiming a "domestic abuse" situation?

Should she leave and not pay should I take her and dad to court for the remaining months? Her father has great credit I can't imagine he wants to go that route but I haven't spoken to him yet since signing the lease.

Thanks