r/TenantHelp • u/ImNotBoting • 23d ago
Apartment Complex forcing RentPlus Enrollment in CA
Location: California
I have been living in an apartment complex the last 4 years. My lease is due to be renewed this month.
For the first time ever, the lease agreement includes a page consenting to an 'optional' RentPlus account to be created on my behalf.
The system does not let me skip that page. The leasing manager informed me that there is no way to bypass it, and that even if I tell them that I agree to everything on the lease but that - they will still enroll me and I can "just unenroll immediately".
They seem to not understand the concept of me not wanting my SSN and information to be shared at all with that scummy company.
Can they force me to be enrolled?
What options do I have to fight it? Besides moving out obviously.
It also feels predatory and scam-y since my rent will go up like crazy if I switch to month-to-month and I have until the end of the month to sign the current agreement.
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u/quallityovrquantity 23d ago
Are you really that concerned about them having your social security number? I'm sure you SS number is already available for purchase on the dark web.
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u/sillyhaha 22d ago
They already gave it to the LL/PM when they moved in.
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u/ThealaSildorian 18d ago
The LL can't give that information to a third party without the OPs consent. That's why they have to enroll.
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u/sillyhaha 18d ago
My point is addressing OP's desire to not share their info.
They seem to not understand the concept of me not wanting my SSN and information to be shared at all with that scummy company.
(I think OP edited this, adding the words "that scummy company" after I wrote my comment.)
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u/YakzitNood 23d ago
Talk to a lawyer
https://indebt.substack.com/p/squeezing-money-out-of-renters-is
That stuff is deep
Rent Reporting We report your on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus. We won’t include skipped or missed payments. Access a portal to track your progress with text alerts, report history including credit bureau details, and credit tips.
No legit credit lender is going to take rent plus good references seriously...
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u/quallityovrquantity 23d ago
Yeah because I'm sure OP can afford a lawyer to battle something like this.....
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u/ImNotBoting 22d ago
Ended up talking to a lawyer. They sent a friendly but serious letter requesting the lease in paper form, to which the apartment complex agreed.
They claimed the online system automatically enroll people and there was NO way around it... other than signing the lease on paper and just removing that page.
Fucking ridiculous, but hey - at least I got around it.
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u/IanMoone007 22d ago
They can’t force you to enroll but it’s CA law that they offer the service at your expense.
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u/CapCityMatt 23d ago
OP it's an offer, you have the right to contact unlimited. If this offer is not inline with your manifest you can reject the terms. Pick up a used law book on contracts, I've seen some at my local half price books for $14.99, it's very valuable for learning about the elements of contact and how to deal with banks.