I just broke a lease too to move down to SD for a new job and I did some research. Basically, if there’s no clause for breaking the lease you’re responsible for the entire rent until he re-rents it. He has to “try” to get someone else which can be gray area but if he got someone in 15 days, he met his obligation. (mine took 3 months)

If he rents it for less, you owe the difference until your lease term is up. If he rents it for more (in my case he did) he owes you the difference until the remainder of the lease. He still must itemize within 21 days of moving out or you “may” be entitled to 3x the deposit, if you prove it’s malicious. I think the 3x will be a long shot with a judge who knows you broke the lease.

So, I think it comes down to the rent for 20 days of vacancy+actual amount he paid for repairs (ask for receipts)+ anything he paid to re-rent it (ads, fees etc) + difference in what he’ll get for the remainder of your lease term. You shouldn’t have paid for the gardener, but its too late I know. That money is gone. If all the rest adds up to your $3200, walk away. I don’t think you’ll get a favorable outcome in court.

Your only chance if you do go to court is to prove the neighbor situation made the place “unlivable or dangerous” and you notified him and he didn’t do anything about it.