Compliance & Regulations

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.

Free Resources

Earthquake Retrofit Grants and Financing Options for Berkeley Property Owners
Earthquake Retrofit Grants and Financing Options for Berkeley Property Owners

The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program has recently been expanded! Learn about the funding options for Berkeley rental housing owners. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/27/2025


Ever Wondered How the Rent Board Arrives at the Annual General Adjustment?
Ever Wondered How the Rent Board Arrives at the Annual General Adjustment?

The Rent Board uses a set formula to calculate the Annual General Adjustment. Learn how it works and what it means for the 2026 increase (0.97%). Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/18/2025


New Form: AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure -Only for units fully-exempt from the RSO
New Form: AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure -Only for units fully-exempt from the RSO

New form for fully exempt units: Even though it’s not required, the AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure can help document your unit’s exempt status and protect against future changes in the law. Use with care. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/5/2025


Bedbugs: Treat First, Determine Responsibility Later
Bedbugs: Treat First, Determine Responsibility Later

Think your tenant caused the bedbugs? You still have to treat first. California law requires prompt action to maintain habitability, regardless of who’s at fault. This article explains why waiting can backfire and how to handle recovery of costs the right way. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/1/2025


VIDEO: Locking It Down: How to Master New Laws on Security Deposits & Applications
VIDEO: Locking It Down: How to Master New Laws on Security Deposits & Applications

Learn how new state laws impact security deposits and rental applications. This webinar covers key legal changes, compliance tips, and best practices to protect your business and plan your next tenancy with confidence. Presented by BPOA Executive Director, Krista Gulbransen Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/31/2025


"They're Gone, But Their Stuff Isn't": How to Handle Abandoned Tenant Property Under California Law
"They're Gone, But Their Stuff Isn't": How to Handle Abandoned Tenant Property Under California Law

When tenants leave stuff behind, you can't just toss it. California law outlines strict steps for handling abandoned property. Miss one, and you could be on the hook. This guide explains what to do, when to do it, and how to stay protected. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/21/2025


AB 2801 Compliance: Move-In and Move-Out Photo Requirements for California Landlords
AB 2801 Compliance: Move-In and Move-Out Photo Requirements for California Landlords

AB 2801, which modified CA's security deposit law, is now fully in effect. Landlords must take move-in photos for all new tenancies and include move-out photos and "after repair" photo documentation with any deposit deductions. This guide explains what to photograph and how to stay compliant. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/1/2025


Understanding the Rent Board’s “Apparent Lawful Rent Ceiling” Notices
Understanding the Rent Board’s “Apparent Lawful Rent Ceiling” Notices

Confused by the Rent Board’s rent ceiling notice? Learn how to verify your unit’s lawful rent ceiling, fix common errors, and calculate adjustments using the AGA chart, especially before tenant notices go out in November. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/24/2025


Understanding Berkeley’s Empty Homes Tax: What Property Owners Need to Know
Understanding Berkeley’s Empty Homes Tax: What Property Owners Need to Know

Berkeley’s Empty Homes Tax now applies to any unit left vacant for more than 182 days, not just rentals. Even if your unit is listed for rent or inherited through probate, you may owe thousands in annual penalties. Learn who’s affected, what counts as “vacant,” and how to avoid the tax. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/16/2025


VIDEO: A Crash Course in Berkeley Rental Law Compliance
VIDEO: A Crash Course in Berkeley Rental Law Compliance

Explore the key elements of rental housing compliance in Berkeley, including the rent stabilization ordinance and its laws. Learn about the registration process, rent ceilings, and eviction protections. Discover special exemptions like the golden duplex rule and the Costa Hawkins Rental Act and more Continue Reading

Postedby Krista C. Gulbransen
Date posted06/14/2025


Help! I'm Brand-New to This and Don't Know Where to Start!
Help! I'm Brand-New to This and Don't Know Where to Start!

A beginners guide for Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/11/2025


When Tenants Break the Lease: What Housing Providers Can (and Can't) Do
When Tenants Break the Lease: What Housing Providers Can (and Can't) Do

If a tenant breaks their lease, you can recover losses—but only if you act reasonably. Learn what the law allows, what it prohibits, and which BPOA forms to use. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/1/2025