Condo Conversion and Eviction - Illegal or Unethical?

[GoBruins21]

Question 1: Sold without telling me...
I rented my apartment directly from the owner 2 months ago. I get a letter a few weeks ago that the place was sold. A few days ago, I find out that they are converting them to condos and I have 30 days to move out. I was on a month-to-month lease. I actually wanted to sign a lease but the landlord told me that she trusted me, and that she can't imagine me moving out (all the hassle). Obviously I am upset that I spent a lot of cash moving and fixing up this place, do have have a case against my old landlord? (I am located in Pasadena, California)

Question 2: Relocation Funds
I pay my rent on time and I am a good tenant. I have a month-to-month lease. Do I have any rights to relocation funds given that I am being kicked out so they can create condos?

Thanks for your help!
Aaron

[Mr. Knowitall]

Your lease is your contract. From what you say it has not been violated. However, there are some notice requirements (e.g., here and here) under California law which may have been violated; I don't have sufficient facts to know.

Note, however, that your municipality may have additional notice requirements which must be observed in relation to condo conversions - check with your local government. San Diego seems to have a very broad set of additional rules, for example.

(That sounds like the George W. Bush claim from Campaign 2000 - "I trust you", which unfortunately has a very different meaning from "You can trust me.")

[GoBruins21]

Thanks for the info. I've been trying to do research and I am not sure whether or not they are required by Law to tell me my apartment complex has been sold when they rented it to me. It seems there is a lot of protection for Condo conversions (as they are VERY popular in Los Angeles).

I guess my follow up question is: if I have a month-to-month lease, can someone kick me out (30 day notice) no matter what the reason is (e.g. condo conversion, don't like my personality, etc.)? Or is there some sort of protection for certain reasons?

Thanks!
Aaron

[Gabriella]

Los Angeles has many requirements as far as notice of building about to be sold and notice ofintention to convert to condos, but I don't know if those same protections apply to Pasadena. You must get a lawyer. Find someone through the local Bar Association, it will be worth a consultation. They can tell you your rights, tell you how to protest the conversion and your eviction, and tell you what they can do for you. Initial consultations with lawyers are often free.