Just have him call the landlord and explain the situation. They may let him out of it without penalty, they may have terms he can meet to break it (such as finding a replacement renter that can be approved to take his place), or he may be stuck having to fulfill the obligation he agreed to. No way to know until he calls them, so have him do so ASAP to find out what you need to do next.

They can only charge him until they get another tenant in there. There is no way out since he has already signed it. His best bet is to let the landlord know now so they can try to get someone in by his move in date- he will lose any deposit but at least won't be paying rent.

Welcome to adulthood, when you sign a legal contract it has consequences. If you don't understand the contract or the consequences get a lawyer. Your BF is responsible for paying for the apartment whether he moves in or not, at least until the landlord can get another renter. This could be in 3 days or 6 months. Your BF is on the hook for those rent payments.

He owes rent until they find a new tenant and any fees listed in the lease.

He can't get out of it for free just because it will be expensive.

My boyfriend signed a nine month lease a while ago. He's about a month away from the move in date and some unfortunate events have occurred concerning his Grandmother's health. He has decided to move back home to help his family, how will he be able to break the lease without ruining his credit? Also I recall something in the lease about if it is broken, the tenant will have to pay the remaining months rent... how can he get out of that seeing as it will be NINE months paying for a place he isn't even living in....help??