I live in Michigan and I am breaking my lease to move to Maryland. I current pay around $1200 a month. According to the document I signed, I have to remain in the apartment for 6 months, then give them a two month notice, and then after those two months I have to pay another 2 months rent. In addition I will have to pay a "coupon rate" of close to $200 for each of those ten months rent. The amount this comes out to is $9,092. In addition they refuse to honor their duty to mitigate damages (make a best effort to find another renter), and I live in a very nice complex (which I am renting for below market due to when I moved in). The housing/rental area I live in is also a very hot market. My apartment complex also refuses to allow me to sublet.

I was wondering what my real legal responsibilities are in this matter, and what the maximum amount I am legally required to pay. I am also absolutely certain they will be able to rent the complex quickly (I will give 1 month notice, and will move end of summer which is a hot time to rent in my area).

Additionally I have a friend who is a landlord and he says the law states the maximum rent that can be charged is 3 months. Is this true?

Thank you so much!