The Content Library is your go-to feed for everything BPOA publishes—from blog articles and webinar playbacks to announcements and member newsletters. If we’ve written, posted, or recorded it, you’ll find it here—organized by date, not topic.
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How should Berkeley housing providers screen applicants who use housing vouchers? This guide explains voucher verification, income-to-rent calculations, and how to evaluate financial qualification under California law, which prohibits the use of credit scores. Continue Reading
In this March 2026 session of the Owners Forum, BPOA Vice President and Berkeley property manager Sam Sorokin shares his perspectives on leasing strategy, structuring lease terms, and managing risk in Berkeley’s regulatory environment, followed by questions and discussion. Continue Reading
After the March 2026 Owners Forum with Sam Sorokin, many members asked about lease renewals, rent increases, and concessions. In Berkeley, the rules differ depending on whether a unit is fully covered, partially covered, or exempt from rent control, which affects common leasing strategies. Continue Reading
No housing provider plans to end up at the Rent Board or in court. But in Berkeley’s regulated environment, strong documentation matters. Learn how to build and maintain a complete electronic property file that protects your time, your position, and your professionalism. Continue Reading
In this month's issue: The Aging of Berkeley's Rental Housing; HUD Demands Tenants Verify Citizenship; Rent Board Archive: 2018 Op-Ed; CalRHA Public Policy Update March 2026; S.F. Apartment Rents Surge, L.A. Slumps; ChatGPT on Tenant Displacement Rules; Santa Barbara Rent Freeze; and more... Continue Reading
Inside this month's issue: L.A.'s Mansion Tax; Rushed Tenant Ordinance; L.A. Candidates Talk Housing; Local Property Owners Are Being Unfairly Burdened by Parcel Taxes; CalRHA Webinars and Education Continue Reading
Entry into a rental unit is governed by state law and is also required to meet Berkeley’s annual Rental Housing Safety Program requirements. This guide explains when access is permitted, how notice works, and how owners and residents share responsibility for lawful and respectful entry. Continue Reading
Received a Form 571-R from Alameda County? Learn what the Apartment House Property Statement is, what must be reported, key deadlines, and how to prepare for easier filing in future years. Continue Reading
Micromobility devices like e-bikes and scooters are increasingly common in rental housing. This guide outlines registration requirements, safe charging practices, and shared responsibilities to help owners and residents reduce fire risk and maintain safe buildings. Continue Reading
Each adult applicant must submit their own application and undergo their own screening. Learn why separate applications support consistent screening, clearer documentation, and stronger defensibility if screening decisions are questioned. Continue Reading
Consistent screening protects housing providers. Learn how written screening criteria, consistent review processes, and complete documentation help reduce fair housing risk and support defensible screening decisions. Continue Reading
Screening criteria guide your process, but they do not make decisions for you. Learn the difference between building screening standards and selecting an applicant, and why housing providers must make final decisions. Continue Reading
