Support Needed to Avoid Lease Penalty-Roommate Died Suddenly

Update! I will pay a lower amount of this lease penalty because I’m leaving on the lower rent lease! But I have to pay it right away, while I have to pay the two months rent on a payment plan. Still a racket!

My roommate died two weeks ago, and though I have been looking diligently for a replacement roommate for 2 months because she was so ill and not able to stay, I found no one who could sign a lease with me to keep the apartment I’m in.

My leasing office won’t make any concessions, considering my roommate died rather suddenly, and is telling me I am breaking the lease agreement by not giving 2 months notice of vacating the apartment and have to pay two months of rent - $4040 - to break the lease. I’ve contacted a lawyer who told me the landlord could sue me for the money and it would be a judgment on my record which could keep me from renting ever again. They can’t garnish my disability money, so they wouldn’t get their money anyway, but if they win in court the judgment goes on my background checks forever.

I’m asking for even just $5 or $10 which when many of us give adds up quickly. Are you able to help? Thank you for listening to my story!