[klodolph]

This depends on the jurisdiction and the terms of the lease. Most places in the US, there are very few ways to break a lease without a clause in the contract allowing it.

For example, in New York, if you break a lease the landlord is obligated to make a “reasonable effort” to re-rent the apartment. You are still on the hook in the interim. In the current environment, the apartment probably won’t be re-rented.

[alexbanks]

Saying anything other than "It depends on the lease" isn't really valuable, so that's what I'll respond with. It depends on the lease.

[klodolph]

Yes, that is the problem I had with your original comment.

But the jurisdiction is also important, not just the terms of the lease.