Giving two months notice to not renew lease

[Precious Thompson]

I was unaware that my lease was automatically renewed unless i give a two months written notice or i have to pay $1,200 if not. Should i just take that 1,200 as a loss or is their a way i can leave without paying an additional two month which i don't have upfront to give?  ( i do not  have qualified replacement or owe any back rent, this is my first apartment)