Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

It is impossible to answer your question fully without seeing the rent to own agreement document and any other related documents. You should be aware, however, that most rent to own agreements allow the landlord/seller to back out under certain circumstances. You should also be aware that a house with unpaid taxes for two and a half years is NOT in good standing. Property taxes become due on July 1 of each year, and are subject to late fees if not paid in the December and April installments. They then are in actual default if not paid by 12:01 am July 1 of the following year. So this property has been in default for two years already. At year three it can be sold out from under you if the taxes are not paid and there is an abatement lien on the property, or five years at the latest. You only obtain ownership rights by paying taxes if you move into the property without the owner's consent and over their objection, and take other steps to perfect adverse possession, AND go to court to have title put in your name by virtue of adverse possession.