Unfortunately, breaking a lease comes with penalties in Colorado, as in other states; unless you have a valid legal reason to do so. If you've signed a lease for a specified amount of time, and you want to get out of it early, you're only options are to negotiate with your landlord, or to find a valid reason to break it.
Communicate directly with your landlord. Some landlords are open to negotiation if you explain your situation, and if you're circumstances are such that staying in your rented space would create a personal hardship. You might be able to get your landlord to let you out of the lease; however, your landlord might demand the right to keep your security deposit.
Analyze your lease. If there's something in your lease your landlord promised to provide, but hasn't, you might have a valid reason to break the lease without incurring penalties. For example, if your lease states that your apartment includes a working washer and dryer, but it doesn't, you might be able to break your lease without incurring penalties.
Know your rights as a tenant in Colorado. In Colorado, leases include implied promises. These are promises that aren't explicitly stated in the lease, but implied by law. For example, landlords are required to ensure you have adequate running hot and cold water. Additionally, it's implied that a landlord will fix broken appliances when given proper notice. Any breach of these implied promises might provide legal grounds for breaking your lease.
Sublet your leased space. If all else fails, and your lease allows it, you can sublet your rental to someone else until the lease is up. If you sublet your rented space, you're responsible if the person who is subletting fails to pay rent. You can instead assign your lease to another party, which ensures you're not liable for any unpaid rent or damages.
Contact a tenant's' rights organization in your area. Tenant's right's organizations can provide you information about your rights and liabilities once you've explained the details specific to your situation.
