MCKINNEY - A North Texas couple is getting ready for their second deployment overseas.

They're leaving to serve their country but instead they've been served with fees from their landlord.

"It's a job, we have to do it," said Chris Horvath.

But they're leaving with added stress, since they've been in a fight with their apartment complex - McKinney's El Lago development.

The couple, both of whom are sergeants in the Texas National Guard, are soon headed to Iraq.

But to go, they had to break their lease four months early.

They say their apartment complex is charging them close to $800 in penalties and fees.

"They know we're going to fight for their freedom and they don't want to try and help us at all with the situation. There's nothing we can do - this is company policy," said Chessa Horvath.

The complex had no comment.

The Horvaths admit breaking their contract but they felt they had an understanding with managers since military families sometimes get their exact orders only days ahead of deployment.

"They know we couldn't fight it right now because we leave Saturday. We're backed into a corner where we had to pay it, couldn't dispute with creditors because we're going to be gone," said Chris Horvath.

The Horvaths paid the fees but say they're leaving feeling penalized for choosing to serve their country.

E-mail jbetz@wfaa.com.