My wife and I broke up and moved out of the apartment, 3 months into a new lease. We asked to be let out of the lease, but received no answer. We paid the current month's rent, without living in the apartment. Last week, the landlord asked us for the keys back, saying they needed us to vacate formally in order for them to start showing to potential tenants.
We agreed, thinking this meant we were being let off the hook for the remaining rent. But, they are holding we are liable for the rent until a new tenant is found (according to the lease). The apartment is overpriced for the current market situation, and it may take a while to rent it out. We offered a $1000 bonus, and still no interested people. I am wondering what this request for the keys meant, especially since it prevents us from showing the apartment (and have every reason to be proactive). Thanks!