My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California
I have done a decent amount of research on the topic but I can't find much information for subtenant's.
This spring I moved into an already rented apartment in CA. Before arrival I paid my security deposit and first months rent. I should mention that I did not sign any paperwork at all. I was not on a lease and had no agreements as to how long I would stay. I had zero interaction with the landlord of the apartment complex. I paid the tenant who was on the lease directly month to month. I never even saw a lease and have no idea what the terms were on it as far as duration of time they planned to stay. I never agreed verbally or on paper that I would stay for a certain amount of time and I paid rent in cash.
I decided to relocate because my room mates used illegal drugs on a daily basis, the area was dangerous and I found new employment in a different location. I did give short notice of my exit but I had paid in full for the next months rent.(July)
Now months later the two stuck on the lease want to take me to court for unpaid rent. They have been leaving threatening voice mails and text messages demanding that I pay random sums of money. I am sick and tired of it all! I want to know if they have a case against me. From what I've researched it seems that they do not have anything but I want to make sure.
I also plan to get my security deposit back from them. I feel that I can negotiate this well independantly if I am properly prepared. However, I would like to cover all my bases and have a lawyer waiting to send papers if necessary. Can anyone make a recommendation on how to go about this?
Thank you for reading.

