Loren Andreo leased retail space in his shopping plaza to Tropical Isle Pet Shop for five years at a monthly rent of $2,100. Tropical Isle vacated the premises 18 months early, turned in the key to Andreo, and acknowledged liability for the unpaid rent. Andreo placed a “for rent” sign in the store window and spoke to a commercial real estate broker about the space. But, for nine months, he did not enter into a formal listing agreement with the broker, or take any other steps to rent the space. With approximately nine months remaining on the unused part of Tropical’s lease, Andreo did finally hire a commercial broker. He also sued Tropical for 18 months’ rent. Comment.