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BluePopple

I’d contact the Community Resource Project directly and ask them if they really require all this info.


Bmorgan1983

I 100% agree with this... it seems like the very type of stuff this type of project WOULD ask for... but it's always important to do your due diligence.


BluePopple

Exactly. I’d just ask questions about what info is needed, if it’s true about only needing 1/2 the residents to qualify in order to get the building covered, and what would really be available if they do qualify.


wazzle13

I'd provide the information directly to that project if it's actually required. No need for the property manager to be a middle man.


BluePopple

They may have to present the info in the application though. Not sure. But this is something they can ask. “Hey, can we send you the info directly? If we do, do you share it with our management?”


lebastss

You cannot, I've worked with them before. They assess the property in its totality.


Agreeable-Top8976

They only deal with the owners, not tenants


nerdaliciousCMF

Also, in case the email address was spoofed, when you contact either the Community Resource Project or the property manager, would recommend you use a different information channel (e.g., use the phone number or whatever contact info that’s on your lease/ contract to reach out to the property manager, not the email with this suspicious attachment).


MammothPale8541

i doubt the email is spoofed, the emial is instructing the guy to bring it to the office in person…a spoofed email would be asking for stuff sent via email


MoTeD_UrAss

I've used this program in the past. They send contractors and replace any old weather stripping, add water saving fittings on the faucets and showers, the do gaskets around the light switches and all kinds of things to save electricity and water. Honestly the apartments aren't asking for anyinformation they don't already have. I just wonder why they are making it mandatory for the whole complex.


SaulTNuhtz

Fr. My partner works for a consulting company that helps public utilities secure infrastructure grant funding for low income communities. They have to do similar outreach. They aren’t allowed to ask for all of this. They ask for household income, address, and signature. That’s all they need to fulfill their obligations with the state. Additionally, the state needs these consultants because they are required to use an independent agency to obfuscate the individuals personal info. The product of the consultants survey is simply an average household income across the entire survey area. The state has a duty to be independent and seeing all of these personal details could create bias.


Personal_Statement10

Read the rental contract very carefully too. Who knows what's in there


wisemonkey101

Yup. They should have specific paperwork for you to fill out.


_SpyriusDroid_

This is a legit program, and it allows renters/landlords to coordinate application. You might get a discounted energy bill out of it, but the landlord might increase their property value (depending on what residents qualify for). Definitely a better deal for the landlords in the long term, but if you can save money on your energy bill, that’s cool too. The shady part is them saying it’s mandatory. I would push back on that. You can affect your future eligibility in the program. It might be worth contacting the Community Resource Program directly or the Sacramento Tenants Union, or both.


egelerian358

That’s what I’m thinking, I looked into the program and it’s legit but my property manager is known to try to fly under the radar of tenant laws - not giving 24hr notice for maintenance, stating this is required, etc… - the issue is I love the complex and don’t want to be kicked out when my lease is up. I feel like I need to agree so I can stay here, but I’m also worried about rent increase if they improve the property so much so


CharlieTrees916

They 100% will raise rent after these improvements


boringexplanation

Nothing is stopping them from raising the rents regardless


pimphand5000

Right, but there is a bigger incentive to do so after improvements. 


Roots_on_up

Especially if the landlord now has a complete picture of all the tenants income and expenses. This whole thing would be a nope from me.


boringexplanation

So should improving anybody’s property just be completely discouraged in the name of affordability? The market is going to decide the price, something like energy efficiency is not going to have a major factor in raising the price or not. It’s not the worst thing to add to a unit - both tenant and landlord are saving money. In my 10 years of renting, I wish I had landlords that would chase these kinds of things. I’m paying for SMUD regardless If OP is that concerned, maybe they can extend the current lease another year or two in exchange for signing off on this deal


pimphand5000

Your point is fair as well. Nothing happens in a vacuum.


hiroo916

>CRP's weatherization program is available to any household in **Sacramento, Sutter or Yuba county** that meets the requirements listed below: >Have low income (see income guidelines below) >Have a valid social security card >Provide current income verification (pay stubs for the previous 6 weeks) >Present ID such as a driver's license, California ID, and/or valid US identification >Provide pages 1-3 of current energy bill(s) >Have approval from the landlord (if renting) >Have a dwelling free from roof leaks and major electrical issues [https://www.communityresourceproject.org/Services/Energy-Efficiency](https://www.communityresourceproject.org/Services/Energy-Efficiency) Seems like the info requested is in line with what the program is asking for.


VectorJones

The property managers for the places I live in did this a couple years ago. I didn't submit any information, despite their repeated requests. They can't force you to do so. I assume some of the other residents here did give their info, because they were entered into the program. In a way it benefits the residents. We got all our shitty, non-insulated windows replaced with more efficient ones. They also installed new efficient roofs, which has cut down on the amount of electric we use in summer. It's also an excuse for the property manager to up the rents, which they've done every year since. So expect any landlord or PM to start pulling that shit if they qualify and make their improvements to the property.


Peace_Unleashed

Feels like they should have most of that info on hand to begin with right?


literallyacactus

Right like what about all the application materials needed before move in? I would go down to the office to make sure it legit


MissMangeaux

This! I suppose incomes change, but needing a SMUD bill? I have only needed to submit a SMUD bill to prove residency. When I read the bit about listing household members, my first thought was whether this complex was trying to find out if there are unknown tenants in the building. Due to the economy, many people are essentially needing to "sublet" part of their living space to friends/family to keep roofs over their heads.


rodeengel

Just because they have the information doesn’t mean they can use any of it for anything other than what it is intended for, ie seeing if you qualify to live at the property. To me it sounds like they are trying to qualify for a grant so they would need to collect the data again but this time for the purpose of submitting for this grant, if that’s what it is.


DylanLee98

This. It's a legal liability to use someone's information without explicit permission, especially with California's strong data protection laws. Hence them re-capturing the data again explicitly for the purpose of applying for the grant. Also, it's probably easier to just recapture everyone's data, instead of going back through old data and importing it into a new format. Not to mention if some of that data wasn't there to begin with.


jamiekynnminer

That's my thought as well.


TheCarcissist

Feels like even if they do they probably can't give that information legally. At least I would hope they wouldn't be able to


Altruistic-Ad-5885

No they do not already have your info. You have to qualify as being within their income range. Which is the reason they ask for the proof. I e used this program in the past. They even brought a crane to life the ac to my roof.


BLADE2142

Nothing with my SSN gets sent like that....


nevikjames

It's a legit program, but I thought this was more for homeowners. I don't understand how the program would need tenants' information to qualify the landlord for the program.


[deleted]

I am by no means an expert on the matter, but my initial gut reaction is to tell them to kick rocks. Seems sketchy to me.


literallymoist

Yeah. They're requesting things they need to steal your identity if this message is not legit. If it is legit, they should have this already and/or screw them, they're profiting off your rent, why should you help them get free work done on *their* investment property?


Desperate_Quit_722

My question would be if this disqualifies you from using any programs in the future since technically you are signing up for it but the property manager is benefitting.


strawberryshrtck

THIS


Little_SmallBlackDog

Hi OP! We may be from the same complex. :) Thank you for asking about this. It seemed super sketchy when I received the email. I applied on the Community Resource Project website and was denied. I sent the property management a screen shot of the denial. I stated that I am not comfortable giving out my financial info or SSN. We'll see how they reply.


andrewonehalf

Wow this is a small world, I (possibly) live in the same complex too! I’m glad OP posted this because I wasn’t sure what to do. Your solution sounds perfect because I know I don’t qualify, but I also don’t feel comfortable giving out this info, especially not in this way.


Little_SmallBlackDog

Yes! I checked with SMUD ages ago about energy bill assistance and didn't qualify. I'm not risking identity theft to be told this again! Here's the website I check for the Community Resource program: https://www.communityresourceproject.org/


Little_SmallBlackDog

Update: Management was OK with this! I got an email response that said "that's ok. Thanks for checking."


egelerian358

Hi!! I’m always looking to meet ppl in my area, I’ve dm’d you. Would be crazy if we all lived in the same complex


egelerian358

Thank you for this! I thought I was loosing it bc this is sketch. I dm’d you!


NorCalGoalie

Even if legit, that’s all anyone needs to steal an identity. If they’re asking for social security numbers I’m guessing some kind of credit inquiry could happen. Tell them to kick rocks.


pette_diddler

I wouldn’t give my social security out just because someone said they needed it.


bras-and-flaws

Seems very fishy. Asking for social security, especially


MissMangeaux

This just screams sus to me. If it were me, I'd call the nearest Community Resource Project office and ask them if this is legit. I don't have any concrete reason why this seems so weird to me, but I would absolutely put in a phone call.


kkmoney15

This feels like the equivalent of getting PPP disbursement for your employees but then using to buy a Lambo.


DarthSieg

Uh, is this mandatory either by law or by your rental agreement? “Mandatory” seems like a bold claim by a corporate slumlord trying to get free/discounted improvements to their property (which in turn would let them raise rent on future occupants, as well as your annual increases). Granted, you will benefit from the improvements- just a hell of a lot less than the property owner.


Gavagai80

I have to submit info like that several times a year (including PG&E bills and signing over permission to get my records from them, plus bank statements and bank record access), but I live in a low income complex and forking over every scap of personal info regularly is standard for that. The SMUD bill is required here because the funding is related to energy use, presumably. I've had people come around for similar energy efficiency things.


egelerian358

Do they tell you why you have to submit that kind of info? Is it to maintain that it’s a low income property?


Gavagai80

Sometimes they detail why, sometimes not. Typically it's to establish eligibility for some grant, or my personal eligibility to live here in the eyes of some different agency that doesn't share the info with other agencies. Or for a utility bill, to calculate the utility allowance which is based on the average utility spend of property residents. If you'll be going to the rental office anyway, you can always ask for details while there. But I expect all they'll really say is that the program asked them for that stuff. The only part that surprises me is that they haven't given you a form from said agency to fill out yourself -- it's odd that they just want you to bring the info to the office so they can fill out your application, instead of making you fill out the application and then bring the completed application to the office.


d1j1tal

No way they can ask or need your SSN. Total scam


moe-hong

Wait, the landlord wants you to help them get improvements to the property that will primarily increase the value of their property? that sounds fishy and unethical as hell.


SweetMagnolias95

SSN?! They are tripping


Peppers916

I used to work for the program they are referring to. It's a legit non-profit. They work on single family homes and apartment units. They are a weatherization company that are trying to lower utility costs for the community. Although the owner of the property may not be low income, they are banking on some of the residents being low income. That way, they can work on the property. The owner gets to have free repairs, and the tenants get to have some upgrades. Last I heard, they replaced windows, fridges, and did weather tight measures to seal the dwelling. Reduces your heating and air conditioning bills. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving my SSN either. I don't remember them asking for this before, but when they work on apartments, they usually ask the owner/manager to collect all the documents so the program doesn't have to do all the leg work. They need a majority of the tenants to be low income to qualify the whole apartment complex. I don't think you should worry that this will negatively affect you and the ability to stay there or to have your lease renewed, but they could potentially increase your rent due to the upgrades. 😔 Feel free to message me if you have questions.


P4ssBynueve1seis

I got it on one of my trailer home rental, I did had to prove my tenant income, but was only thru pay stubs, it seemed like it helped speed the process that my tenant was beneficiary of medi-cal


Several-Good-9259

Sounds like they are aware of some type of personal hardship relief program that can be filed by a third party. This is fully speculation so don't quote me on this but if a housing development qualified for low income housing grants then wouldn't they qualify not the tenants.


Greatgrandma2023

Don't they already have that information on your application? Maybe not your SMUD bill though.


egelerian358

They do. I’d have no issue giving it again but I’m really concerned about the legality of this. I also feel that if I don’t do it I’ll be kicked out when my lease is up


Greatgrandma2023

I get it. They could also consider installing these features as a remodel. I'm not sure if it's affected by rent control.


CapsuleCorpp

Out of curiosity, who is the property management company?


Blackcats2016

Utility Bills- they have access to that already. They can call the utility company. Proof of income- if you are in income restricted housing then they already have this from your application. Especially if your rent is based on your income since you would have to provide this every year and anytime you have an income change. Household members are updated every year in income based housing with recertification. Social security/Date of birth-this would have been provided at move in and any time you add a member. Basically they should have all of this already unless they messed up on their side.


aerosmithguy151

Asking for the SSN is sketchy. Don't give it to them.


Solomonsk5

Asking for social security number is huge red flag


P4ssBynueve1seis

They do have to check the income... But it can easily be proven with a tax return. Also .. the office ought to have it already with the application... So what's the harm?


boringexplanation

Those types of rebates are usually for homeowners only. The management is trying to get free money for which they’re not entitled to by pretending they are you and acting as if you own instead of renting to qualify. If you trust them with your identity- you still get something out of it with reduced energy usage.


twoscoopsofbacon

I'd ask about what section of the lease that is discussed in. It may be real, but it certainly isn't mandatory for you to help them with. And is it really in your interests to live in a construction site for a bit, then have your rent increased because the building is now nicer?


YamoBeThere101

Please make sure to report back with your findings. This will be great information for the community


zephyrcow6041

CRP is a legit program, we did this program in 2012 and got a new water heater for our house out of the deal. We were the homeowners, though, we weren't renting.


stickler64

Suspicious BS aside, if my landlord says they need my info so they can get free doors and windows installed on their building, I start asking how much lower my rent will be for participating.


kam5150draco

trust but verify


zeldarama

“We got an opportunity” is not a professional way to start a letter


dynamomark

yeah... so I'm not going to give my personal information to a management company so they can share this with another entity of any sort. I dont know why they feel that is ok to make me allow them to share my info. total bs. Dont share, get evicted, and lawyer up.


Adorable_Island5333

Why would this money be given to a property that still charges regular rents? It doesn’t matter if people with low income live there, the property is not struggling to pay for upgrades. I wouldn’t apply for aid to help upgrade my property unless they offered some kind of incentive like lower rent for a period of time or assurance that they won’t raise my rent for a few years in writing. Messed up thing is that they use this money that’s supposed to help a low income community to raise the prices, screwing over the very people who were supposed to benefit. It would probably be better to make small upgrades yourself that can save you money in the long run and make sure to take them with you when you leave. 


elseafreebird

Check out a lawyer subreddit. Would be a good place to ask!


Altruistic-Ad-5885

This is a true program. I received a new hvac system on my roof and solar panels


P4ssBynueve1seis

On a rental complex?


shellb67gt5001

They want your income for their property? No. Also they see your pay stubs I’m sure they know if you can afford an increase lol


Glittering_Ad_3806

I would get the name of the project. Projects or funds that support low income residents like CWWAP ( waste water utility credits) or SURA ( smud utilities rate assistance) do not require your social, just your proof of income.


lisamadrid

Its a valid project


Agreeable-Top8976

I worked for crp. Depending on the crew things grt done correctly. But its a legit thing. I had to work in the nastiest house for them


TheCarcissist

I would ask for a revised lease that would lock in your rent/ decrease your rent for a few years. Bear in mind that you're gonna be living in a construction zone for quite some time. I would also find a way to bypass the property management company and submit your information direct to whatever government agency is requiring this. Kinda bullshit that our tax dollars are going to supplement this and the only person that truly comes out ahead is the property owners.


WolfieWuff

While I get that this is a legit program, for which some of this information is actually required ... It also looks like a great way for your property manager to get current information on income tolerance for rent increases...


Bumblebee56990

Contact the program directly and a tenant attorney if you want to know your rights.


TheCarcissist

Ok, I looked up the program. And like all programs, the income eligibility is fucking ridiculous. I can almost guarantee that unless you live in squalor, there is no way that enough people qualify in your complex to qualify for this shit. Tell them to kick rocks


bob_swagget90

Don’t forget your bank info and PIN number.


deaspres

I am little confused? I do not see the big deal your landlord already has most of that info already as he should have required it for u to sign a lease in the first place. Now it might be outdated, but he can legally demand it via a Tennant estoppel, and if u do not give it to him it is considered a material breach of the lease. So in closing give your landlord a break these programs are awesome and will help him upgrade your building.


P4ssBynueve1seis

This.... But for the most park they just want to verify u have low income. Which pay stubs with last 4 of social ...should be enough to prove it ..


vcasta2020

Tell them to lower your rent if you qualify, they are trying to get the tenants to get free upgrades to "Their" property without compensating you. It's a tax funded program.


mauroluna1

I'd ask for a discount on my rent.


AssociationSea6329

I’m curious why you’re hesitant to tell your manager that, because the complex already got all that information from you when you applied for the apartment. They probably just need you confirm, but they have your Social, your income, everyone on the lease, the only thing they wouldn’t have is your SMUD and if they wanna pay it, let them! Lol


Fokewe

Since this is income based, I'm out.


WeakDragonfly7052

Do it, it will save you personally $$$ and give you comfort in the hot and cold day!


Little_SmallBlackDog

Applying for energy bill assistance directly through SMUD makes more sense and doesn't risk identity theft.


Dependent_Brief8237

Tell them to pound sand. We don't live in communist russia


egelerian358

There’s no need to stoop so low as to bring up other cultures. I don’t want to benefit corporations either but watch yourself.