If a landlord gave a 30 day lease instead of 1 year, what if any good does this do for the landlord in protecting them from bad tenants. Does the tenant absolutely have to leave with no problems if they don't pay or are trouble after 30 days or do they still have rights to stay.

;D Ya still have rights.
In order for a landord to make you move- they MUST serve you with some kind of legal document. 5 day payrent or quit notice- in that time you can pay your rent or "choose to quit"... you can move out in that 5 days OR you can stay and then the landlord must take further steps to evict you from the unit. This takes about 30 days. So if you need to buy some time- go that route.. just remember though, you might end with some costly judgements.