Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

I would suggest that you contact your local bar association for a referral to a lawyer in your area that specializes in unlawful detainer actions as there are several issues with your case. They may even be able to refer you to a pro bono attorney if you are unable to afford an attorney.

I would also suggest that if you do in fact intend to vacate, that you communicate this in writing with the property management company. If you failed to pay rent due within the 3 day notice period, the property management company can file an unlawful detainer action against you at any time. However, to save on legal fees and filing expenses, if you agree to leave by a specified date, they may agree not to file until an agreed upon date.

If I understand the facts correctly, you tried playing a game a lost. When you got the three day notice you had an address and phone number to contact of a party who claimed they had the right to collect the rent. You knew the contact information as to the former owners, but you made no effort to find out to whom the rent should be paid. You made no effort to find out what was taking place and whom you should pay.

Ms. Gerritsen is correct that you can probably work out a move out date with the new owner in return for their not filing an UD; normally, they will also give key money to get tenants out, but that may only be if you are current in the rent.