Q: Can a tenant be hired as resident mngr in the same building, therein giving them access to all tenants personal info etc

A: This is a complex situation with several legal and ethical considerations. Here's an analysis of the key points:

1. Legality of hiring a tenant as resident manager:

Generally, it is legal to hire a tenant as a resident manager. However, the lack of experience and qualifications raises concerns about the appropriateness of this decision.

2. Access to personal information:

The main legal issue here is the protection of tenants' personal and sensitive information. Under California law, landlords and property managers have a duty to protect tenants' personal information. Giving unrestricted access to an unqualified individual could potentially violate privacy laws and expose the property management company to liability.

3. Fair Housing Act implications:

If the resident manager has access to sensitive information about other tenants, there's a risk of violating Fair Housing laws if this information is misused or leads to discriminatory practices.

4. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

If the property management company meets certain thresholds, they may be subject to CCPA regulations, which impose strict requirements on handling personal information.

5. Landlord's duty of care:

The property management company has a duty of care to ensure the safety and security of tenants. Giving an unqualified individual access to personal information and units could be seen as a breach of this duty.

6. SRO zoning:

The fact that the building is zoned as an SRO (Single Room Occupancy) may have additional regulations that need to be considered.

7. High turnover of resident managers:

The history of 27 unsuccessful resident managers in a short period is concerning and suggests systemic issues with the management approach.

Recommendations:

1. The property management company should review their policies on information access and ensure they comply with all relevant privacy laws.

2. They should implement strict protocols for accessing and handling tenant information, including limited access based on job responsibilities.

3. Proper training and background checks should be conducted for anyone given access to sensitive information or tenant units.

4. Tenants should be informed about who has access to their personal information and for what purposes.

5. Consider seeking legal advice to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

6. The property management company may want to reconsider their approach to hiring and training resident managers given the high turnover rate.

Tenants concerned about this situation could:

1. Request information from the property management company about their data protection policies.

2. File a complaint with the California Department of Real Estate if they believe their rights are being violated.

3. Consult with a tenant rights organization or an attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law for personalized advice.

Given the complexity of this situation and the potential legal implications, it would be advisable for both the property management company and concerned tenants to seek professional legal counsel for specific guidance.