* I have been renting an apartment in NYC for 2 years.
* I signed a 1-yr lease starting from Nov 1, 06 to oct 31, 07 for $4,495
* On Sep 20, 2007, my landlord sends me a lease renewal for $5,195 which I did not sign
* This is a 700 usd increase just 40 days before my lease ends in the worst real estate market environment in decades
* The landlord refuses to keep the rent unch'd
* In the mean time, I found a new apt only available on Jan 22, 2008
* On Nov 10, I notified my landlord that I will pay the original monthly rent ($4,495) until Jan 31 and that I will be moving out on Jan 22, 2008 . I attached a check for 4,495 and asked to confirm that they could schedule my move out date.
* on dec 5 my landlord refused my check, They asked me to sign a 3-month lease extension for $5195 and pay $300 for lease fees. They threaten to sue me.
-> Since I never signed the increased lease ($5195), I believe I should keep paying $4,495. Can anyone confirm?
-> do I need to pay $300 to sign a lease extension?
-> MOST IMPORTANTLY: How do I make sure that they will let me use the service elevator so that I can move out on Jan 22?

