How can you break a lease when you can no longer afford the rent?

I moved into my apt this past March. I have struggled every single month to make the rent. Three months ago the rent check bounced, the next month the rent was paid late. Finally in Oct I couldn't pay the rent at all. My rental office said if I broke my lease they would take me to court. They suggested I find someone to sublet it to. I asked about a repayment plan and was told to make up my own and submit it for their approval. I did that but have gotten no feedback from them and worse yet I find that I am unable to honor the repayment agreement. I misplaced my lease months ago, I asked for a copy but was told it wasn't their policy to provide copies so I honestly don't know my rights. One option is not to renew my lease in March, since I was required to pay 2 last months rent when I moved in Jan and Feb's rent would be covered but that still would leave what I owe for Oct, Nov & Dec. What can I do? Do I even have any options?

Why not submit your repayment plan with you paying what you can this month, December, Jan & February, but moving out in February at the end of your lease? You'd be dividing the 3 months you owe over the next 3 and a half months...so it would be just less than your monthly rent is if you're on time.

Otherwise you're about to be evicted.

I would work out a repayment plan for past due rent and sublet to a roomate(s) to help with rent & expenses.

Landlords hate to go through evictions because they take a long time and they can't rent their property while it's occupied. Give them the choice of letting you out of the lease now, they keep the deposits, or you stay and wait for the full legal eviction process, which can take several weeks. Once you explain to them that you know how complicate the process is and that you only want a cancelation of the remainder of the lease, they might accept. If you get an agreement, make sure it's in writing.

You can ask a neighbor to check their lease and inform you about your rights. They cannot take you to court for breaking the lease. Typically, you would lose some or all of the security deposit for breaking the lease. You have to give them a written letter (30 day notice) specifying your intention to break the lease.