BPOA News & Commentary

This section houses newsletters and select articles—including President’s Messages and guest-written editorials—from BPOA’s archive dating back to 2008. Explore past issues to see how Berkeley’s rental housing landscape has evolved.

Free Resources Policy & Regulatory

Understanding San Francisco's Empty Homes Tax Appeal: How BPOA Members are Making Their Voices Heard
Understanding San Francisco's Empty Homes Tax Appeal: How BPOA Members are Making Their Voices Heard

San Francisco’s Empty Homes Tax is now before the Court of Appeal — and the ruling could reshape how Berkeley enforces its own vacant unit tax. Learn why BPOA filed an amicus brief and what’s at stake for property owners. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted11/17/2025


BPOA Amicus Brief: San Francisco Empty Homes Tax Appeal (2025)
BPOA Amicus Brief: San Francisco Empty Homes Tax Appeal (2025)

A complete copy of BPOA’s 2025 amicus curiae brief filed in the Court of Appeal in the San Francisco Empty Homes Tax case. Provided here in full for member reference. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted11/17/2025


VIDEO: The Current Climate of Rental Property Sales in Berkeley
VIDEO: The Current Climate of Rental Property Sales in Berkeley

Recorded October 30, 2025 — In this BPOA webinar, Joey Wang and Danny Winkler share insights on Berkeley’s rental-property sales market — from small 1–4 unit buildings to larger multifamily properties — and what owners should consider before selling. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted11/6/2025


November 2025 Issue
November 2025 Issue

Inside this issue: LA Takes Up Rent Control Reforms; What Is the Consumer Price Index?; 20-Story Tower Approved on Durant Ave; Everybody Gets a Fridge; October 2025 CalRHA Advocacy Update; Landlording with Mark; The Nuts & Bolts; Coalition Corner; and more... Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted11/1/2025


CalRHA Digital Magazine: November 2025
CalRHA Digital Magazine: November 2025

Inside this issue: Federal Government Shutdown; 2025's New State Housing Laws; Share Your Rental Housing Story; Steps Local Governments Can Take to Unlock More Housing: Lessons from San Diego; The 2025-26 California Spending Plan; and more... Continue Reading

Postedby Therese Twomey
Date posted11/1/2025


Tenant Data Exposed in Berkeley Rent Registry Leak
Tenant Data Exposed in Berkeley Rent Registry Leak

A flaw in Berkeley’s Rent Registry exposed tenant names, contacts, and Section 8 status for months. The issue is now fixed, but tenants may still question why their data is being collected. Housing providers should be ready to explain the legal requirement. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted10/2/2025


October 2025 Issue
October 2025 Issue

In this month's issue: The President's Message; The Vacancy Plague That Wasn't; Landlord Suit Tossed by Federal Judge; SF Rentals Leasing at Twice the Pace of 2024; Coalition Corner; CalRHA Public Policy Update; Nuts & Bolts; Landlording with Mark; Coming Events, and more. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted10/1/2025


Take Action: Demand An Audit of the Rent Board
Take Action: Demand An Audit of the Rent Board

The Rent Board has never undergone an audit in its 45-year history. Fees are rising, services are declining, and accountability is overdue. Join us in urging the City Auditor to follow through—send your message today. Continue Reading

Postedby Dan Lieberman
Date posted09/1/2025


September 2025 Issue
September 2025 Issue

In this issue: AB 1620: Accessible Floor Units; Rent Control Has a Long Record of Ruin; CalRHA Public Policy Update; Application Fraud: In Search of Silver Bullets; The Eviction Showdown: Texas vs. California; Landlording with Mark; Nuts and Bolts; Coalition Corner, Editorials; Events Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/28/2025


August 2025 Issue
August 2025 Issue

Inside this issue: Housing Provider Legal Q&A; CalRHA Public Policy Update; Water-Saving Landscaping; NAA Rent Control Report 2025; Berkeley Council OKs Zoning Overhaul; Landlording with Mark and more! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/1/2025


How to Use BPOA's Digital Flipbooks
How to Use BPOA's Digital Flipbooks

Need some help navigating the flipbook toolbar? This article breaks it down! It's also available in a downloadable PDF so you can print a cheat sheet to have on hand. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted08/1/2025


July 2025 Issue
July 2025 Issue

In this month's issue: BUSD Housing Development; CalRHA Public Policy Update; Congress Must Stop Predatory ADA Lawsuits; Berkeley Considering Middle Housing Plan; What Tenants Should Know About Rent Algorithms; Coalition Corner; Editorials; The Nuts & Bolts; Event Calendar and more! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/1/2025