Inside this issue: Capitol & Council; Landlords Want Pay for Pandemic Losses; Affordable Housing is Slipping Away; CalRHA Public Policy Update March 2026; The ChatGPT Tenant Letter Has Arrived; UCB to Promise Two Years of Student Housing; 10 Unintended Consequences of Rent Control; and more... Continue Reading
Content Library
News, insights, and education for Berkeley housing providers
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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Read all of BPOA's 2026 newsletters in one place! Continue Reading
Learn how to use the Visual Paradigm viewer for BPOA’s online newsletter (and affiliate newsletters): start in full screen, navigate pages, zoom up to 500%, switch layouts, read in text mode, download or print as a PDF, and use search, annotations, and audio features. Continue Reading
No, HUD did not eliminate emotional support animals. This article explains HUD's May 2026 memorandum, separates fact from fiction, and clarifies what Berkeley housing providers need to know before changing policies or practices. Continue Reading
Learn how to organize move-in and move-out photos using tools you may already have. This practical guide covers Google Drive, Google Photos, iPhone albums, cloud backups, photo organization, and documentation best practices for housing providers. Continue Reading
You followed your screening criteria, denied the application, and thought the matter was over — until the applicant accused you of discrimination. This article explores what investigators look for next, why consistency matters, and how documentation can become your strongest defense. Continue Reading
California screening laws focus heavily on disclosures, documentation, and process compliance. Learn how Intellirent’s built-in workflows help BPOA members manage applicant authorizations, report delivery, adverse action notices, and screening recordkeeping. Continue Reading
If you’ve stopped receiving BPOA emails, the issue may be inbox filtering, Promotions tabs, Spam folders, or an accidental unsubscribe. Learn how to restore delivery, re-subscribe, and make sure you continue receiving important Berkeley rental housing compliance updates, legislative alerts, and more Continue Reading
The BPOA website has grown significantly in recent years, and many members feel overwhelmed trying to navigate all the online tools and resources. This guide walks you through the Member Compass, Forms Library, Knowledge Hub, events, and more — step by step. Continue Reading
Email and text messages are not always sufficient for legally required notices. Learn when California law requires personal service, substituted service, or mailing, plus common mistakes that can invalidate a notice or delay enforcement. Continue Reading
Nearly two years after AB 12 took effect, many housing providers still misunderstand California’s security deposit limits. This article explains deposit caps, “last month’s rent,” prepaid rent, pet deposits, small-owner exceptions, and Berkeley-specific considerations. Continue Reading
Fraudulent rental applications are becoming harder to detect. This guide explains how to reduce risk using a consistent, compliant screening process—without stepping outside fair housing requirements. Continue Reading