A lower-priced association may promise “Berkeley” forms, but the label does not guarantee reliable, current guidance. Before choosing based on price alone, see what BPOA actually provides—and what “saving” could cost you. 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.
Looking for forms? Click here to access the Rental Housing Forms Library!
Berkeley’s Amnesty Program offers owners of eligible single-family properties a path to legalize certain unpermitted ADUs and JADUs built before 2020. Free anonymous consultations are available before applying. The program runs through 2028. Continue Reading
Originally presented live on 7/9/26; Learn how to identify rental application fraud, recognize fake documents, and discover how Intellirent helps housing providers protect against today's increasingly sophisticated scams. Presentation resources (slides, renter resume) will be added once received! Continue Reading
Intellirent offers flexibility with screening fees, but many housing providers don't realize these options exist until they need them. Learn how to pay an applicant's screening fee, refund fees when appropriate, and avoid a common setting that can unintentionally charge you for every fu Continue Reading
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
Inside this Issue: Raising a Glass to California: CalRHA at Apartmentalize NOLA; Op-Ed: California's Great Landlord Shakedown; What the Next Governor Needs to Know About Housing; Op-Ed: Hidden Costs Driving the Housing Crisis; and more... 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