All the advice on here has been excellent, and I would definitely agree. Read the lease so you know what the ground rules are, and then talk to your landlord. They are human beings, so they will at least listen to you.
I do have one thing to add though. If they don't let you out of the lease and you have to keep paying, make sure you check in on things every once in a while. The reason I say this is that if the landlord keeps you in the lease, but then rents the place out again, it is illegal. No double rent payments! And some will try to do that. Hopefully you don't end up having to deal with something like that, but just check in from time to time to make sure you aren't getting screwed.
Good luck!