1. It will cost them ~$2000 to make your apartment ready for the next tenants.
2. Apartment cxomplexes are sleazy, but oftentimes, tenants are sleazy too. They can't afford to let leniency become the rule because there are plenty of people who will take advantage of that.
3. They don't have any obligation whatsoever to release you from your lease. The fact that they have a policy that will let you out is a courtesy on their part.

HOWEVER, there is an argument to be made for the carpet cleaning. The fact that you've lived there for more than a year means that any dirtiness of the carpet falls under “normal wear & tear”. Thus, you should not be liable for it. Also, if they're telling you it's $200+, they're f'ing lying. I believe that with the help of a lawyer, you could easily get out of paying the carpet cleaning, but if you can't, shop around and find a more reasonable service and see if your landlords will let you use that one instead.

It's unfortunate and somewhat disgusting, but lease breaks are always expensive and sadly, they would/will absolutely win if you tried to take it to court. However, if there are less extreme measures you could take (filing a complaint and a policy change request with the Colorado extension office), absolutely do it. Just don't get your hopes up.

And be aware, once/if you get your lawyer involved, their gloves come off.]]>