Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Have you called the realtor who told u this? Its possible that you would have a claim for the money. I would need to know more about what was said, was anything in writing? Were there any witnesses? If you would like feel free to contact me at 818 345-0123

First, I think you understand this, but just to be completely clear -- sale of a property does not automatically terminate the tenant leases. The tenants simply get a new landlord. Sure, a lease can be written so that it terminates upon a sale of the property, but that's unusual. Next, the landlord's real estate person seems to have been out of line in trying to hustle you out of the condo; either he/she was acting without authority under a mistaken impression of what the owner/landlord wanted, or the owner/landlord had a change of plans. However, I would also add that you probably made a mistake if you relied on an oral message and didn't get it in writing. As Mr. Laurie says, anything in writing or a credible witness would help your case. I think the first thing I'd try to do is to get together with the landlord and the real estate person at the same time and place and try to negotiate a settlement that is fair and doesn't require a trip to small claims court or possible damage to your checkbook or credit rating.