My question involves a roommate in the State of: New York.
In November, my friend Ellen signed a year-long lease with her roommate from a previous apartment (Kelly). In early January (no later than January 15, but I don't have proof that it was earlier than January 19), Kelly moved out with maybe a week's notice, leaving behind a table lamp, table fan, some hangers, and a bunch of half-empty water bottles and pop cans. She did not pay rent or utilities for January. She is still on the lease, but refuses to sign off the lease until the new roommate (me) officially signs onto the lease. She also won't turn in the keys until she's off the lease, so she still has full access to the apartment. However, the property manager (Linda) has called her a total of five times since this happened, and Kelly has only called back once, leaving a message. She also said that if Ellen calls her again, she will report her to the police for harassment. Linda is fully aware of everything that's going on, and has told Ellen that she will be going after Kelly for the rent due, because she knows that Ellen has paid her half every month. She's also aware that Ellen found a new roommate, and from what I've heard, it's okay with her that Kelly comes off the lease and that I'm added onto the lease.
So we need to get her off the current lease, get me on the lease, remove her stuff, and change the locks. As far as I'm aware, Linda is personally going after Kelly for the owed rent, so we don't need to worry about that. What should we do in this situation?
Thanks for ANY help you can provide. Ellen is getting pretty stressed out about everything and is now worried she's going to develop an ulcer because of all this.

