Help - any real estate law experts/attorneys here?

I need some advice please...

I had to break my lease. My landlord agreed to let me out once a new tenant was found. So we had someone take over the apartment this month and a new lease was drawn up. Now we are looking for written documentation stating that we are no longer financially responsible for the monthly rent and we left the apartment in acceptable condition. The landlord refuses to state this - he wants to say it is an 'assignment', meaning that if the new tenant doesn't pay, we are responsible.

So my question is, can he do that??? He never used the word 'assignment' until now. Is it even legal for him to have two leases for the same apartment, with the validity overlapping, from two different parties????

TIA!

Re: Help - any real estate law experts/attorneys here?

i think, technically, he can do that since the person is in essence taking over your lease. i remember learning about that and thinking it was ridiculous but since you're breaking your original lease terms, it's a measure of protection for the LL......

you need advice from a landlord/tenant lawyer (not my area of expertise) and i am sure there is SOMEONE on here. i might x-post to FHF on this one.