Rent is due on the 1st, but many tenants pay during the grace period. Learn what that actually means, how to handle late-but-timely payments, and how to avoid turning routine rent collection into unnecessary conflict. 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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Illegal dumping on sidewalks and streets can trigger citations, even if you didn’t cause it. In Berkeley, property owners are responsible for removing debris adjacent to their property, regardless of who left it there. Continue Reading
Leaving items on the sidewalk is illegal in Berkeley and can lead to fines. This guide explains proper disposal and how residents and owners can prevent illegal dumping. Continue Reading
Inside this issue: Capitol & Council; A $285,000 Ambulance?; Fair-Housing Testers Aren't so Fair; CalRHA Public Policy Update; City of Berkeley Fees for Rental Housing Providers; Cal Move-Out 2026; UCB's Tallest Dorm Ever, and more... Continue Reading
Can a tenant give notice to vacate by email? In California, the answer depends on your lease and how the notice is delivered. Learn what the law allows, where the risks are, and best practices for Berkeley housing providers. Continue Reading
If inquiries aren’t turning into applications, something is getting in the way. Learn how to identify and remove common leasing barriers so qualified applicants can move forward. Continue Reading
Many upfront charges are legally treated as security deposits, regardless of how they’re labeled. This guide explains what constitutes a deposit under California law and how to structure charges to remain compliant. Continue Reading
From application to move-out, this guide outlines the records every housing provider should maintain and how to build a complete, defensible tenancy file over time. Continue Reading
Watch the playback of BPOA’s March 19, 2026, presentation, “How to Prevent Losing Everything in a Lawsuit,” and learn practical steps to reduce risk, strengthen protections, and safeguard your assets. Continue Reading
Each spring, Berkeley sees a surge in student move-outs—and with it, illegal dumping, fines, and overflowing trash areas. This guide helps owners and residents plan ahead and properly handle everything from furniture to food waste. Continue Reading
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