Stay up to date on required filings, deadlines, and legal obligations for rental housing providers under local ordinances, California law, and federal regulations. This category includes Rent Board registration rules, annual fee notices, security deposit interest, new legislation, and compliance with laws like the ADA and Fair Housing Act.
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
After the March 2026 Owners Forum with Sam Sorokin, many members asked about lease renewals, rent increases, and concessions. In Berkeley, the rules differ depending on whether a unit is fully covered, partially covered, or exempt from rent control, which affects common leasing strategies. Continue Reading
Received a Form 571-R from Alameda County? Learn what the Apartment House Property Statement is, what must be reported, key deadlines, and how to prepare for easier filing in future years. Continue Reading
Micromobility devices like e-bikes and scooters are increasingly common in rental housing. This guide outlines registration requirements, safe charging practices, and shared responsibilities to help owners and residents reduce fire risk and maintain safe buildings. Continue Reading
Practical guidance for handling smoking and odor complaints in Berkeley smoke-free rental housing, including ordinance requirements, documentation strategies, and what owners can realistically expect from enforcement. Continue Reading
Berkeley's Rental Housing Safety Program team, Angel Sindayen, Sloan Fiddler, and Andre Kidd, break down the inspection process, including the difference between proactive and complaint-based inspections, explain the RHSP Self-Certification Checklist (SCC), how annual fees are determined, and more! Continue Reading
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required by California law in rental housing. This guide explains installation requirements, clarifies owner and resident responsibilities, and outlines why alarms must remain installed, operable, and free from tampering at all times. Continue Reading
When BPOA members miss important emails, it's because Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and Apple Mail automatically sort them into Promotions, Updates, or Spam. This article shows how to make sure BPOA’s alerts and notices reach your inbox. Continue Reading
New 2026 habitability rules require landlords to provide stoves and refrigerators. The requirements apply automatically to new tenancies and are triggered for existing tenancies when rent, terms, or lease status change. Continue Reading
What’s changing in 2026? This webinar, hosted by CalRHA, covers key landlord-tenant law updates rental housing providers need to know heading into the new year. Continue Reading
A step-by-step guide to identifying lease breaches, writing compliant violation notices, and serving them correctly. Learn best practices and avoid common errors that can weaken your position under Berkeley and California law. Continue Reading
Each year, the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board sets two key figures that affect nearly every rental housing provider in the city: the Annual General Adjustment (AGA)—Berkeley’s allowable rent increase—and the annual interest rate payable on tenants’ security deposits. Continue Reading
