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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A monthly walkthrough is one of the simplest ways to protect your rental property. Learn what to look for, why regular owner visits matter—even with professional management—and how to identify small issues before they become costly problems. Continue Reading
Smoking has been prohibited in Berkeley Multi-Unit Housing since 2014. Learn who must comply with the Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance, where smoking is prohibited, what signage and lease language are required, and download BPOA's ordinance-compliant smoke-free signs. Continue Reading
Inside this issue: Capitol & Council; A Gas Ban Near You; MA Rent Control Question Tossed from Ballot; CalRHA Public Policy Update; Fareed Zakaria on California; The Hidden Role of Property Managers; BRSB Class Action Lawsuit Update; The Nuts & Bolts; Monthly Event Calendar; and more.... Continue Reading
Should you furnish your rental? The answer depends on your property, target market, lease terms, and management style. Explore the advantages, tradeoffs, and hidden costs of furnished and unfurnished rentals to determine which strategy best supports your goals. Continue Reading
A thoughtfully furnished rental should be attractive, durable, and easy to maintain. Learn how to select furniture, linens, kitchenware, and household essentials that appeal to prospective residents, support your asking rent, and simplify turnover. Continue Reading
Holding title in a revocable living trust does not automatically affect your eligibility for a Berkeley owner-occupancy exemption. However, owners claiming an exemption through a revocable living trust must submit additional documentation to establish their eligibility. Continue Reading
Everyone has different housekeeping standards. This guide explains the difference between ordinary housekeeping, conditions that affect health and safety or the property, and how residents and owners can work together to address concerns respectfully and appropriately. Continue Reading
A qualifying 1979 record is one of the key requirements for a Golden Duplex exemption. Learn what the record shows, how it's used, and why it's an important part of your permanent property file. Continue Reading
Current owner occupancy keeps the Golden Duplex exemption active. Learn what documents to retain, why they matter, and how to create a permanent file supporting your property's exempt status. Continue Reading
Golden Duplex owners use the same BPOA Residential Lease Package as other Berkeley housing providers. Learn how the Lease Package Guidance Document helps you tailor it to your property's exempt status. Continue Reading
Does adding an ADU or another legal dwelling unit eliminate a Golden Duplex exemption? Not necessarily. Learn how Rent Board Resolution 17-12 treats additional legal units and why the exemption remains tied to the original qualifying units. Continue Reading
Exempt from Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Ordinance doesn't mean exempt from all rental housing laws. Learn which requirements still apply to Golden Duplex properties. Continue Reading
