Content Library

Once upon a time, …there was a building, rented by a landlord to an artist who lived on the premises and occupied himself with paints, acrylics, metal sculptures and the like. One night, the tenant locked himself out. Looking for a way to get in through an open window, he climbed on top of... Continue Reading

The Rent Board recently told readers of the Berkeley Voice that a landlord whose long-time tenant was at death’s door would continue to be bound by the existing rent ceiling following the tenant’s demise. Why? The Landlord, prior to 1999, had allowed the man’s son to move in as a... Continue Reading

BY: DAVID M. WILSON Elsewhere in this issue, Jim Smith tells the story of Claire Morrison, an elderly homeowner who returned from the hospital only to find her house occupied by tenants that had been invited in by assumedly well-meaning relatives. Though her case would seem airtight, Claire died... Continue Reading

Over the past few months, this series has summarized California landlord tenant law through the lens of Berkeley’s idiosyncratic laws and regulations. We have covered the following subjects: Lease Agreements Security Deposits Permissible Rents Eviction Procedures All of the above are... Continue Reading

During the past few months we have summarized landlord/tenant law in Berkeley and in California as it relates to (a) lease agreements, (b) security deposits, and (c) permissible rents. We now turn to eviction procedures, an inevitability that nearly every landlord must face. As is the case with... Continue Reading

By David M. Wilson Prior to the 1970s, California law generally treated landlord/tenant agreements like other contracts. The lease or rental agreement (which could be oral or written) established initial and subsequent rents, which could be payable on a monthly, quarterly or most any other basis.... Continue Reading

By David M. Wilson AT THE MARCH 6 MEMBERSHIP MEETING, VERNE PERRY PROVIDED HELPFUL HINTS ABOUT THE INTRICACIES OF CALIFORNIA LAW ON SECURITY DEPOSITS. WHAT FOLLOWS IS A DIGEST OF VERNE’S REMARKS WITH SOME ADDITIONS BASED ON BERKELEY’S RENT CONTROL ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS. AS... Continue Reading

by Catherine Fabun, Renoir Staffing How can you exchange an apartment for service? A person who works on your property, carrying out your instructions in an exchange of labor for service, is defined as an employee. Employers must pay social security for employees whether they receive their... Continue Reading

By David W. Baleno All Pro Electric Reprinted from Tips 'N' Trends, Rental Housing Association of Pierce County, June 2002 Most older apartments have insufficient electrical systems compared to the strict electrical codes that are enforced nowadays. Problem: Old and insufficient lighting... Continue Reading

By Mark Tarses Graffiti is big and growing problem for landlords in Berkeley. This city's police force is understaffed, and graffiti taggers do not fear arrest here, as they do elsewhere. Berkeley juries will usually not convict graffiti taggers. Graffiti tagging is viewed as "street art" and a... Continue Reading

By: NMHC That rent control is an ineffective and often counterproductive housing policy is no longer open to serious question. The profound economic and social consequences of government intervention in the nation's housing markets have been documented in study after study, over the past... Continue Reading