Roomate moved out, I need to take over lease, landlord s

[jzasa]

I am a tenant in a nyc rent stabilized apartment. I had a roomate who shared the lease with me who moved out two years ago. We never got around to taking his name off the lease, but now he needs his deposit back and I want to take over the lease in my name only. (My name -is- on the lease). For the last two years I have been paying 100% of the rent. I'm pretty sure I have the right to take over the apartment, but the managment company says he can't take his name off and I can't take over the lease. What are my rights here? I would potentially be willing to hire a laywer to take care of this for me if anyone can reccommend someone. Thanks, Jay

[consigliere]

See the Roommate Issues and Leases FAQ on the Rent Guidelines Board website.
 

[jzasa]

thanks-- is there any way I can find out the actual law that comes from so I can quote it when I talk to the landlord if they still refuse?