Surrender lease to landlord? Queries

[minnie508]

I have rented an office and have several months left on the lease. I'm not using the office much but continue to pay the rent and plan to move out at end of lease. However Landlord suggests that I sign a surrender contract as they have a new tenant ready to sign a contract WITHIN 24-48 hours, but I have only been given 2 days notice to leave fully. I'm not against returning it to the landlord so a new person can move in and I therefore don't have to pay rest of lease. HOWEVER, when I read the surrender contract it states that if the person who takes on the NEW lease fails to go ahead with the deal/contract, then I - the ex-tenant - must resume the contract and pay rent and other liabilities. I thought if i surrender the property, then my obligations end? Surely the onus is then on the landlord (who approached me and asked me to leave/sign surrender doc) if the NEXT tenant's deal falls through? According to surrender contract, I would have to continue paying for another 3-4 months if deal goes pear-shaped? Does this sound normal?

[INXS]

It's up to you to make the deal. You and the landlord negotiate what deal you want...

[shenwen]

Sounds like the landlord is doing you a favour, so sign it. If it goes pear shaped - unlikely - you will be in the same position you would have been if you didn't sign the contract.

I don't see the issue...