My business is in California. We have a written month to month lease for our office space. We recently met with the leasing director and asked her about extending our lease for 12 months. She verbally agreed that a 12 month lease is OK and will not be a problem. She then went on a 3 week vacation. During the time she was on vacation, another tenant wants our space, and the leasing company is forcing us to relocate to another location in the complex. We wish to stay where we currently are. Is the verbal commitment for a 12 month lease (to renew in January) enforceable?

Yes a verbal lease is valid.

But unless the leasing director will agree that she did offer you a 12 month extension, what proof do you have?

Tell the company about the leasing director and what you talked about and then get it in writing and talk with the leasing director the second she gets back.

Yes but of course as mentioned, the person who agreed to it, will have to stand up for you and say they agreed to it.

You should respond that per... you have a 12 month lease and expect them to respect that agreement.

Even if you have a month to month lease they cannot force you to relocate unless you violate the terms of the lease. What they can do, is raise the rental which may be more than you can afford to pay. You can offer to match whatever the new tenant is offering.

So, do as Chuck advised, respond to whatever communication you have received saying you have an agreement pending and you expect them to honor it.