If you a in a rental lease and you change jobs which moves you to a different state, can they hold you to a lease?

A rental lease is based in contract law.  If you fail to comply with the terms of your agreement (i.e. stop paying rent), then you are in breach.  

Once in breach, the Landlord can sue you, but they would have to perfect service, get a judgment, and then collect on the judgment.  This could be difficult since you are in another state.

My advise would be to give notice to your landlord and try to work something out.  On one hand, he right thing to do would be to pay way you agreed to pay; on the other hand, your situation has changed; I ask the landlord to be released from the lease.  

If the landlord does agree to release you; get it in writting and save that writting for the next 10 years.  If you have questions, please contact me for a free consultation.