I lived in an NYC apartment for nearly 10 years, half of which with no lease. I had two roommates.
In August, I received a letter that the rent was being increased and that I needed to sign a lease. I advised the landlord that I would be vacating the apartment. However, my two roommates would be in contact becasue THEY wanted to sign the new lease. I moved my things out, left my keys with my roommates, and was done with it. I asked for my security deposit but never received it. I later heard that my roommates decided not to keep the apartment.
Flash foreward six months. My landlord is suing me for 3 months of rent, from Sept-Now.
What are my legal obligations or penalties at this point?