Tenant moved out on day one. Please help!

[Stephanie Young]

My tenant moved out on day one!

We had a one year contract. She has paid the first month rent and deposit, total 2 month rent to move in. On day one she called and said she’s decided to move out.  On day two she moved out, returned the keys, and vacated the property.  I rented out the property to someone else 2 weeks after that. 

My question is, how much should I refund this tenant? 2 month rent? One month rent? 0.5 month rent? $0? In the contract, we have agreed there’s a one month rent re-rent fee if tenant broke the contract early. I want to do what the protocol is and whatever is ethical and fair. Of course I want to be fair to myself too. This has been the greatest community for landlords. I would really appreciate you guys’ opinions!

(I don’t think this matters but in case you were curious or thought it’s relevant, the tenant said she needed to move out because she heard some gunshots when she tried to move in. The area isn’t great. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hears gunshots a few times a year. So hearing it on day one isn’t impossible but just unfortunate. )

[Bruce Woodruff]

Charge her the maximum that your lease says you can. No more, no less.....