Break the lease, regardless of what they say it costs, and find a cheaper place to rent. Let them go after the wife for the amount, if they choose to sue, which is rare. Most likely they will just put the unit back on the market and, other than "amount due" notices, you won't hear from them again. Write them a nice letter describing the circumstances as to why you have to terminate the lease early, and documenting that you have no assets from which to pay the termination fee. That will reduce the odds of them pursuing a judgement. One because you are broke and two because landlords are human.