Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Re: Rental lease

If you signed a lease, you are obligated to the landlord under that lease even if you move out before the end of the term. The landlord has no obligation to return your security deposit prior to the end of the lease.

You might have a separate arrangement with your friend where he or she will pay all the rent, but that is between you unless the landlord agrees otherwise.

The landlord might possibly release you from your obligations under the lease if you make it worthwhile such as by paying your half through the end of the lease period up front. That might limit your liability to the landlord but will complicate things when it comes to your friend's payments because half would have to be made to you. Additionally, you would have little leverage in enforcement. However it works out, you should not pay any rent for your friend in advance unless you have a written agreement with both the landlord and your friend so that all of the relative rights are established.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm