All Forum Posts by: James Bell

Thanks for the reply.  The program is open to landlords; in fact, my tenant brought it to my attention. I don't see any requirement in the application about maintaining the property as low-income, but there is a requirement that "the owner or the owner's agent shall not raise the rent of the unit or evict the unit's resident because of the increased value of the unit due solely to weatherization measures..." This is my concern. There is no way to attribute the increase in value to any particular factor.  I don't actually own the property yet, but the owner has executed a power of attorney for me to manage it on her behalf.  The unit is currently in deplorable condition, including 40-plus-year-old windows and a non-functioning furnace. The rents are well below market, but probably consistent with the quality of the dwelling. I believe the owner has the financial resources to make the repairs and upgrades, and I think that would be a better way to go than encumbering his/my ability to raise rent as appropriate as the weatherization, and other improvements, are made.  I guess I answered my own question :)

One of my tenants gave me a form from a non-profit here in the San Francisco Bay area offering free energy conservation measures to low-income tenants. It includes measures such as weatherization, new windows, or a furnace free of charge to the owner. The offer comes from Central Coast Energy Services.  I'm looking for advice and experience about the benefits and risks of taking advantage of this offer.  Thanks much!!

-Jim