Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: foreclosed property

You are entitled to your security deposit 21 days after you vacate. They have every right to ask you to vacate with a 30 day notice It is their property, not yours.

As to violations, you stayed and didn't complain. It would be very unlikely you can collect now, and certainly not from new owners who want to make repairs. You might win a few dollars from old owners, but I doubt it.

Your deposit can be used for:

(1) unpaid rent;

(2) repairing damage caused by you and/or your guests, and not

including ordinary wear and tear;

(3)cleaning, but only if you left the premises dirtier when leaving, than when you moved in.

Re: foreclosed property

Since you have lived there more than one year, you are entitled to a 60 day notice. So, at least for now, you may disregard the 30 day notice as it is not legal.

I would give your landlord written notice now of the habitability issues, and ask the landlord to waive next month's rent. He probably won't do it, but you could at least sue him for a refund based upon the notice you gave him.

If you do not pay your rent, your landlord may give you a 3 day notice, and then file an unlawful detainer which will show up on your credit report, even if you win the case.

As far as not being able to afford to move, you need to talk to the local mission or Catholic Charities. They may be able to give you information to assist you.