If it is scripted, I guarantee you that anyone with lines or whose character is identified by name or occupation has a SAG card. If they have SAG cards, they are technically "actors" whether they are playing themselves or not. Because the tenants are definitely portrayed by actors, and the episodes are labelled surreptitiously as dramatic reenactments, this show falls under the category of an acting-union production. Unlike a "real" reality show which gets around SAG by not employing people as actors but in unscripted situations as themselves.
Why do you think reality shows are so prevalent? Because they are so much cheaper to produce when they only have to pay the crew (and not the cast) union wages.
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