re: Breaking a lease to buy a new home

We were in a similar situation earlier this year and were able to work with the property manager to find someone to takeover our lease, i.e. they are added to the lease and we were removed. It worked out for the best in that we didn't have to fork over thousands of dollars in re-let fees and the apartment kept the apartment leased up. I'd tell her approach the property manager first(Note: NOT a leasing agent) to see what her options are.