Please help me with this situation. On July 15, 2006 I moved into a house with 3 other people. They had signed a lease in June and were desperate for a 4th roommate to cover the costs, and as I had just relocated to NY for a new job, I moved in. I NEVER SIGNED A LEASE, and from the beginning, entered a VERBAL contract with them that this would be a temporary situation, and I would pay month to month. At the time of my moving in, I did contribute $600 to the security deposit.
On February 15th, 2007 I gave verbally gave my 30 days notice to the roommates that I would be relocating. I agreed to compromise with them and pay 1/2 of the rent and utilities for the upcoming month of March. They have ordered me to pay the full utilites and full rent, despite the fact I will only be residing there for 1/2 a month. I, in turn, offered to forfeit my security deposit to them, as a compromise. They refused.
My question is this: Am I legally bound to pay a full month's rent? If they did decide to take me to small claims court, would they have a case? Can I just move out now and forfeit my security deposit and call it even?
I simply do not think I have any legal obligation, and, as I tried to make this amicable, they have refused to be reasonable, and I just do not know how to proceed.
Thank you in advance for your advice

