
Quoting
adjusterjack
I'm sympathetic to your medical issues but there's a couple of things you have to understand.
Renting out one's property is a business. A lease is a contract. "Breaking" a lease is breach of contract which could result in serious financial consequences. The owner committed to you for a year at the stated rent. He has no obligation to change it to suit your needs. I don't think he fears you going "legal" on him. I think it's more that he doesn't want to, and doesn't need to, be bothered.
That being said, you could offer him an increase in rent and a buy-out amount that might buy you more flexibility in an amended lease that would allow you to leave early. Money talks.