A lot depends on who your landlord is. If its a private owner, who you have a good relationship. He may be willing to let you break it, especially if the apartment is rent stabilized and the rent is lower than other apartments. If not think about sub-letting it for the duration of the lease. The landlord cannot turn down a sub-lease provided you can show that the lesee can pay the rent, or for other good reason (like criminal record). You also may not charge more than the cost of rent and utilities. And once the lease is up, you no longer have rights to a rent stabilized apartment because it would not be your primary residence.