I’ve had tenants break leases a few times. Simply ask the landlord. If the rental market is strong there is a good chance they will not be on the hook for breaking it.

Legally … the tenant is liable for rent after they vacate through the end of the lease as long as the unit remains empty and as long as the landlord is offering the property at the same rent. Often times a landlord will decide to let the tenant off the hook, so that they can advertise for higher rents. Depends how long tenant has been in the unit and the current market.

Also, the landlord knows that it is hard to get water from a turnup. If you are vacating for financial reasons, they more than likely will choose to let you out of the lease than end up evicting you later after you miss some monthly payments.

They should tell the landlord they are having trouble making ends meet and want out. Try paying late one month to prove it (assuming the late fees are not too high).

P.S. – Try to time the move out in late winter early spring rather than right now. It is a slow time to fill rentals over the next couple months.