Can a landlord make you rent month to month?

Unfortunatley they can. You are not in a lease now and there is nothing to say they have to provide a new lease for you. Month to month is almost like just a convenience for you and inconvenience for them (higher leaving risk = higher rent paid). Sounds like they may be using your information (lack of ability to move now) against you. In the future, only give pertinent information and nothing extra when doing business. That way no one can use anything against you or for their benefit. This way you'll also know what kind of people you are dealing with when you see what kind of questions they ask you.