Does a 1 year lease need to include specifics in regards to lease breaking procedures?

My landlord is asking for 4 and 1/2 months rent to break the lease, but there is nothing in it about lease breaking procedure... except that she would keep the deposit.

Also, we have offered to pay the monthly rent until she finds a new tenant, but since I gave notice 29 days ago she hasn't made effort to get here to rent it out (she lives out of state) and has only posted 2 craigslist ads. I don't feel as if she is going to be trying too hard to rent it.

What to do? Can't pay 4.5 months; company relocation only pays 2. She wouldn't take the offer, and staying around to rent it myself isn't an option... held an open house today with no success. Must leave town in 2 days... what to do? Don't feel as if I have many rights or options right now!

Hello manu:

You are responsible for the rent until your landlord re-rents it. The landlord can't just sit back, however. He has to TRY to mitigate your losses. If he doesn't, then you won't owe any rent.

Let him know that you'll be happy to pay him, but a listing on Craigs list isn't going to cut it. If he wants YOUR help, he needs to hire a management company or come himself. If he doesn't, you aren't going to pay. Send your letter certified, return receipt requested.

excon