My partner and I were approved for a unit after viewing three properties by this management! While…read more2 Lofts was shown in terrible condition (with bugs, old food, and stains still in place), we proceeded with applying for the cleanest unit which was even more of a red flag because for this unit they said someone was already suppose to pick up the key but she ghosted them! A week later Franny called with an approval and we also received an email confirmation.
I mentioned I would be applying for Homeless Assistance through Contra Costa County, and they were obviously depending on it more than myself. This was my first time navigating permanent assistance, so I had questions. I asked if it was possible to separate the lease, I was informed the next day by Franny after checking with her broker they can't proceed with that & I was ok with that, as they still proceeded to go through with everything relying on the permanent assistance! Eventually, I found out the county was able to proceed with both of us on the lease, which was even better!
Unfortunately, due to delays with my caseworker which I made a complaint on while trying to reach her for a week which I feel she was ignoring me on purpose because my case was switching to Alameda County July 1st which I just think she didn't want to do any paperwork for my assistance!
After finding out I was denied assistance due to accepting a new job with the City of Oakland, my offer letter wasn't good enough & they wanted paystubs even though my worker told me I can. I told them it takes at least 3 weeks for the process & was waiting for my employee Id number Proof wasn't enough, unfortunately they wont pay more than 80% of your income. The moment Franny found out the county couldn't pay, she ghosted me. I emailed Franny the same day I was denied no response so I called the next day. Still, I offered to pay the entire deposit and rent out of pocket for the unit to the property management and even let them know I could bring the full payment the same or next day & move in on the 7th no later than the 15th! My partner makes 3.5-4x the rent, and I have additional self-employment income.
Eventually, I was told they weren't moving forward with my application I was ultimately told the owner didn't want to deal with it I truly didn't understand and the reasons kept changing
First, it was because originally planned to move in on the first
Then, it was the "inconveniences with the county" (even though I was pushing the process myself)
Then it was allegedly "fraud" because I asked about separating leases, which was an honest question, not a demand although after they still proceeded to ask and move forward with me! She said it seemed as if I was unreliable! Like huh?
Then after I mentioned a fair housing complaint Franny stated the county thinks something is up with you too" A completely inappropriate comment that made me wonder if my confidential information was being shared improperly or if I was being retaliated against.
I never received a written notice explaining why we were denied, even after asking twice. This experience delayed my family by two critical weeks, and based on how it unfolded, I strongly suspect source of income discrimination.
We were transparent, financially qualified, ready to pay, and had solid rental history but none of it mattered at this point after they realized the county wouldn't be footing the bill. Which makes me realize I don't think they even did any job/ or rental history verifications!
If you're a working person trying to get stable housing or using assistance in any way, be cautious. Based on my research, this is not a unique experience. It's common for people using public assistance to be treated as less-than even when they're offering to pay everything themselves.
I'm filing a formal complaint with Fair Housing, and I'll continue to speak up not just for myself but for anyone who's ever been quietly discriminated against and made to feel like they are the problem.
We deserve better.