I was evicted from my business because sales were low and I defaulted by not paying and was evicted. I am still on the hook for 5 years left on the lease at thousands per month. The landlord took over the business and is running it with the same name so far.

I don't have a problem with that, but I would like to know if that helps me as far as not being liable for the current lease payments. Or am I liable for some of it? I was told I am not necessarily off the hook, but could be.

Should I not contest it for a year then offer him the businesses, 18k in deposits, all equipment, etc. in exchange for release from the lease? Should I do it now or maybe that would scare him to shutting it down then suing me?

I gave him a notice that I was vacating and in the notice I put that I will keep it in running condition till we leave as requested by him and that I am aware he will run it. I didn't put that I say yes or no to it. He actually got kinda mad about that. That was probably dumb on my part since I didn't need to put that in there and it could have scared him into not running it.

What are some good options for me to get off the lease?