I am sorry to hear about the passing of your stepfather. Regarding the lease, you should first read the lease carefully to see if there is a provision for early termination of the lease in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. If there is no such provision, you will need to speak with your landlord to explain your situation and request an early termination of the lease. Often, the landlord may require you to pay a fee for early termination, such as liquidated damages or a portion of the unexpired rent. If your landlord agrees to terminate the lease early, make sure you have a written agreement with him/her to avoid any disputes in the future. If your landlord does not agree to end the lease early, you may need to consult a local legal professional for additional help.