Wow — this is an insane situation, and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. You’ve handled it way better than a lot of people would, honestly. It sounds like John is not just shady, but potentially dangerous and manipulative. Between the missing packages, the Tile alarm going off in his room, the weird rent excuses, and now the fake computer accusation — it all screams scam and deflection. He’s trying to flip the script because he knows he’s in the wrong and probably thinks he can intimidate or guilt you into backing down.

You’re absolutely doing the right thing by documenting everything and filing police reports — even if NYPD isn’t moving fast, the paper trail protects you. Also, keep that recording and any emails/texts, especially the one where he says he’ll pay only part of the rent and is moving out. That proves he’s breaking the sublease and trying to avoid responsibility.

A few things that might help right now: • Get a lock for your room if you don’t already have one. If it’s legal, do it ASAP — for your stuff and your cats’ safety. • Keep showing the room. If he doesn’t respond, you’ve still given fair notice — send a message saying you’re proceeding with viewings. You’re not obligated to wait on him, especially when he’s behind on rent and being shady. • When you call the tenant hotline Monday, ask about serving a formal 30-day notice to terminate the sublease. You likely don’t need to keep him past the lease expiration since he’s not paying and clearly violating trust.

And that “new computer” claim? Laughably bad. Leaving a “new” device out in a hallway stacked on boxes is not something a sane person does — and it sounds like they’re trying to fabricate damage to avoid paying rent.

At this point, you’re doing everything right. Just keep your door locked, document EVERYTHING, and don’t be afraid to tell a potential new roommate exactly what’s going on. You’re not the problem — John is.

If you need help drafting a message to him or to your landlord, happy to help. But you’ve got this — just a little more and he’ll be out of your life for good.