My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: North Carolina

I recently moved out of my apartment early (still paid rent for the remaining 10 days left on lease). I shut off the utilities when I left. It was a mistake, since my lease said to transfer them to the landlord (or just keep paying) until the lease was over.

A few days ago, I got a call from the landlord informing me that my lease was no terminated, that my $1500 security deposit was now theirs and that I was also legally liable for any more damages assessed upon inspection.

Now, I am aware that in the state of NC, there is a 10 day period following landlord notifying tenant of a lease violation where the tenant can cure the violation. I would GLADLY turn the electricity back on in my name, but the landlord has already done so without giving me opportunity to do it.

To make matters worse, I am now moved out of state for medical school and am not there to verify damages they are claiming on the apartment. They also claim several other things that are not true (and I have them in writing) but that is a side issue to them terminating the lease without giving me opportunity to fix the violation as state law requires.

I have tried to communicate with them and have even sited the clause in the law that allows for the 10-day "fix" period but they told me that all of my emails would now be seen as "harassment" and added in a few nice personal attacks as well (all in writing).

What are my options?

Keep in mind, I'm a poor med student!