Review your lease for early termination, buyout, subletting, assignment, and notice clauses
Check local tenant laws and state-specific lease termination rules
Give written notice to your landlord as required by the lease or law
Ask your landlord for a mutual termination agreement
Offer a lease buyout if allowed
Find a qualified replacement tenant if subletting or assignment is permitted
Document all communications with your landlord in writing
Pay any required fees, rent, or penalties to avoid default
Clean the apartment and return all keys, access cards, and devices
Take photos and request a move-out inspection
Get written confirmation that the lease has ended and no further rent is owed