Rental contract less than 3 years - resigning

Hi guys,
My rental contract has been started in September 2016 as a short term one - 3 years and less. It is stated there that It is for a year and if no upfront notice will be revived then this contract is automatically extended for the same duration. As of today, I have entered the 5th year under this contract and got to know will need to resign it as I am being relocated to different country.
I have just informed my lanlord who told me I will need to pay 3 months penalty or I do need to look for somebody else.

My question is, taking into account the timing, should be already in this long-term 9 years contract which I can resign at any time with a 3 month notice without a penalty?

Am I obliged to find somebody to replace me?

Will appreciate your feedback