Early termination

Other

Hi,
I have let a property with a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy for a term of 6 months beginning on Nov 1st 2009.
I have just received an email from the tenant giving 1 month notice ;
In the Terms and Conditions section of the contract, about ending the agreement it says that : after the first three months of the term, if the tenant can find a suitable alternative tenant, and provided the alternative tenant is acceptable to the landlord .... the tenant may give notice to end the tenancy on a date at least one month from the date that such approval is given by the landlord. Etc.

My question is: Does this mean that in principle the tenant should pay the rent until the property is let again or until the end of the 6 months term, whether he vacates the property or not?

If he goes, is it likely that the TDS will repay the deposit to me?

Thanks,

Kind regards

Riccardo Cuminetti