looks like you would only loose your deposit, as per your lease.
I'm in a developer type place, that has a lease contract in tiny print back and front of a legal sized sheet, that truly you would need an attorney to examine. Mine says I would owe all the rent due, but they may only go for half. I have had private rental home leases that were maybe a few lines, and some said nothing about breaking a lease. One apartment I asked if I could vacate early, and it was no problem (my car had been vandalized). I did offer to exchange labor, for the deposit, but they were cool and said no and I got my deposit back. I also rented a home, my mom needed me at home to help her, and my landlord was cool and I got my deposit back.
I'm willing to bet if you were a good tenant, at most you would lose is your deposit. If the rental market is anything like the housing market in a lot of CO, I would think he would be wading through many, many possible tenants. My God, even around W.PA, I knew a potential landlord finally do an open house, after he received over two dozen requests to see a rental of his. FWIW, below is the actual lease... Not much protection for either side:
LEASE AGREEMENT
This agreement, made this _____ day of __________. _____, by and between XYZ and herein after called “Lessor”,
and
________________________________________ of _______________________________
hereinafter called the “Lessee”.
Lease covers the rental property at 123 Main St: house, shed, lawn, tress, and any other structures and property as used by the lessee.
Term: Period shall be for one year, renewing for another year on each anniversary, unless agreed otherwise upon by both parties.
Rent: For the property on site, rent shall be $650 per month, due 1st of month.
Late Fee: $50 per week for rent paid late, up to 4 weeks. Eviction after 2 weeks.
Security deposit: Shall be one month rent. Shall be returned to lessee after they move out, provided property is in like condition to when they moved in.
Utilities: Lessee shall pay the cost of all utilities: electricity, fuel oil, and trash removal.
Repairs and maintenance: Lessee is responsible for snow and ice removal, mowing grass, and maintaining condition of property to current state.
Changes and Alterations: No changes or alterations shall be made to premises/property without prior written approval of lessor. This includes the surrounding land.
Lessor's Right of Entry: Upon reasonable notice, and with lessee present, lessor may inspect the premises.
Pets: No pets inside home at any time.
Smoking: No smoking in house.
This is the total lease contract, unless written agreements are made by both parties.
Specific to this lease:
1.
2.
Signature of lessee (s) date Signature of lessor date