Typically this is correct, but laws are localized and vary depending on where you reside. Also, you will need to read your agreement and find out exactly what it says in regards to "first option to purchase" and/or "right of first refusal". If there is nothing in your specific contract stating these terms or your locale does not define these terms as an assumed/implied/automatic right to either. . .you might be out of luck. Usually nothing is a rental/lease contract is just automatic. If you have a true lease to purchase agreement/contract it should spell out exactly what that means. The important thing to remember is that if (if) your contract does state right of first refusal and/or first option to purchase would you have purchased the property and been able to secure a mortgage to do so? If not and you are simply fighting not having received what you feel is sufficient notice to move out. . .that is an entirely different issue and you will have to explore what your local laws are regarding how much notice and what type of notice (verbal, written) a landlord is required to give you before putting you out (lots of answers to this in the AB section on Renting). You may have to contact a lawyer on this one. However, you could also try http://www.nolo.com and do a search. They also have links to websites for individual US State laws. Hope this helps :)