Apartment to Condo

[santeria5]

I am a tenant in a building that is more like a 4-plex than an apartment. We received a letter from the Landlord discussing the possibilty of converting the 4 units into condos. It seemed like a very sketchy letter that he just typed up on his computer. It states that we will NOT receive any relocation fee and basically says that we would be giving up our place for the conversions.

I want to know what the standard letter MUST contain with an announcement that the landlord may want to turn the units into condos. Again, it has not been done through the county yet, but the lanlord wants our signature on this letter. I feel that once we sign it, the landlord will be able to ask us to leave the next day.

What should the form state? Thanks in advance!

[seniorjudge]

What does your written lease say about your questions?

[santeria5]

Our lease does not say anything about the possibility of converting the building into condos. Our landlord, says that we spoke about this possibility of the conversion when we first signed the lease, but none of us remember this conversation. Either way, it doesn't state anything in the lease.

Is there standard language in a letter to tenants that I can present to the landlord where I won't end up being screwed?

Please advise, if possible. Thanks!

[aaron]

Condo conversion laws vary by state. What state are you in.

[santeria5]

California

[Mr. Knowitall]

If in fact there will be a conversion, your right to relocation benefits will depend upon where you live. You should check with your municipality to see what (if any) rules it imposes on condo conversions.

A letter discussing a possibility of conversion is not the same thing as a notice that conversion will occur. Your landlord may be hoping to dissuade the current tenants from renewing, without providing any formal notice of conversion or triggering any formal notice requirements or duty to assist with relocation.