I signed a 12 month lease for an apt in Ca. We have been there for 6 months and want out of our lease for several reasons. I was reviewing the lease to find a way to break the lease and noticed that my husband never signed the lease only I did. I am only on the lease because I am an adult living in the house. The apt was rented with his credit and income because I don't have one. I am just wondering if the fact that he didn't sign the lease will release us from responsibility and make the lease void. Thank you for your help. BTW I did ask the manager for cooperation and he is not willing to let us out with minimal expense. So I've already taken that route.

Probably not. You have been behaving as if your lease is valid, which is probably what a judge will look at if this ends up in court. Regardless, your signature is on the lease, so YOU are still bound to the terms. If your landlord is offering you an out (even if it is expensive) that's probably the only way you will get out. Have you asked him about subletting? What if you find a new tenant for him?

It releases him, and he may move. Credit apps, background checks have no bearing on the validity of the lease, only what exactly is written in the lease, and between the parties who signed the lease.

It is very possible they can not bind your husband to the lease, but you are obligated,

Just because your copy is not signed doesn't mean the copy the landlord has is also unsigned.

Even if it wasn't it doesn't let you out of the lease.