Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Between you and the property management company, it appears that you have an action for breach of contract, a wage claim, or both. If you were an employee, you can sue for your unpaid wages, or you can simply make a claim with the California Department of Industrial Relations. Check the agency's website. There is a whole explanation for wage claims.

You might also look into whether you are entitled to something called a "mechanics lien." If you follow very detailed procedures and you have done work at a property, you can record a lien against the property. Then, the property owner must pay you, or you can foreclose on the property. Check with an attorney on this option. It can be tricky to meet all the requirements.

You can sue both the property management company and the owner of the house at the time you were doing the work. You cannot successfully sue the new owners if you did not do work when they owned it. I would suggest start by contacting the Labor Commissioner. They will help you fill out a claim for wages and have a hearing to make a determination of your case.

You can sue everybody involved at the time, and let the court sort it out.