It is actually a common practice, if you want to terminate the lease, to stop paying and get evicted. However, they may still be liable to pay for the three or four months they used.
But if you’re on the hook for the full amount either way, why not just leave early and hand over the key? There’s less that could go wrong that you’d be responsible for, the space isn’t just sitting unused, and the owner has an opportunity to market it earlier.
Everyone walks away better for it. Plus you don’t have the negativity and expense of a lawsuit or an eviction or whatever else.
Ninja edit: am I missing something?
ya the lease agreement
Saved 10 month of obligations
I resided there for four years and consistently paid on time, but by the fifth year, I simply couldn't meet all the financial obligations. I sincerely wish the Justice system would show more leniency instead of demanding that I repay the entire lease upon eviction.
If you're lucky, you can negotiate an "out" clause, where, given sufficient notice, you can terminate the lease early, but commercial landlords are very hesitant to do it.
There's a reason Start-ups love month-to-month co-working spaces.
Reneging on a written contract doesn't seem to have the same social stigma in America.