I can only tell you what I did. The last apartment I rented was in the last century so take that for what it is worth. I contacted the landlord and explained the situation. I had 4 months left on the lease. I offered to pay to clean the place if they let me out early. As I was a good tenant who paid on time and did not cause trouble we worked out an amicable solution. That place was cleaner than I found it, and he was able to get someone into the apartment as I was walking out the door, and I got to keep the security deposit. If you have a good relationship with the apartment people, explain the deal. Ask what you can do. It's a month, not like you are bailing a month into the lease, I'm sure if the landlord is not a pure dick they can work with you.