Well.....if Whyme has her name on the lease, she's pretty much screwed. Landlords only care about the tenants as far as upholding their legally-binding contract goes.  IIRC, this is a one year lease (?), so Why is stuck until it's time to renew or move on.  Now, if she could prove that Rotunda is causing serious health risks, she might be able to get out early without penalty. Depends upon the state, I'm sure. If Fatty were endangering her with physical harm and she has proof, it's a whole new ballgame.