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 Golden Duplex Policy & Regulatory

Berkeley's Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance: What Rental Housing Providers Need to Know
Berkeley's Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance: What Rental Housing Providers Need to Know

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

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/2/2026


Does a Revocable Living Trust Affect Your Owner-Occupancy Exemption?
Does a Revocable Living Trust Affect Your Owner-Occupancy Exemption?

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

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/30/2026


When One Roommate Becomes Two: Understanding Berkeley's Increased Occupancy Petition
When One Roommate Becomes Two: Understanding Berkeley's Increased Occupancy Petition

Not every additional occupant supports a rent increase. Learn when Berkeley landlords may petition for a 10% upward adjustment of the lawful rent ceiling, which family members are exempt, and why occupancy changes matter. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/15/2026


VIDEO: Dealing with Nuisance Tenants
VIDEO: Dealing with Nuisance Tenants

Playback of attorney Clifford Fried's June 11, 2026, webinar on nuisance tenants. Learn about Notices to Cease, documentation practices, curable versus ongoing violations, evidentiary considerations, and when nuisance activity may justify termination of tenancy. Continue Reading

Postedby Clifford Fried
Date posted06/11/2026


How to Organize Rental Property Photos Using Google Drive & Google Photos
How to Organize Rental Property Photos Using Google Drive & Google Photos

Learn how to organize move-in and move-out photos using tools you may already have. This practical guide covers Google Drive, Google Photos, iPhone albums, cloud backups, photo organization, and documentation best practices for housing providers. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/27/2026


Why BPOA Recommends Intellirent for California Screening Compliance
Why BPOA Recommends Intellirent for California Screening Compliance

California screening laws focus heavily on disclosures, documentation, and process compliance. Learn how Intellirent’s built-in workflows help BPOA members manage applicant authorizations, report delivery, adverse action notices, and screening recordkeeping. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/18/2026


Not Receiving BPOA Emails? Here’s How to Fix It
Not Receiving BPOA Emails? Here’s How to Fix It

If you’ve stopped receiving BPOA emails, the issue may be inbox filtering, Promotions tabs, Spam folders, or an accidental unsubscribe. Learn how to restore delivery, re-subscribe, and make sure you continue receiving important Berkeley rental housing compliance updates, legislative alerts, and more Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/15/2026


Security Deposit Limits in 2026: How Much Can Housing Providers Legally Collect?
Security Deposit Limits in 2026: How Much Can Housing Providers Legally Collect?

Nearly two years after AB 12 took effect, many housing providers still misunderstand California’s security deposit limits. This article explains deposit caps, “last month’s rent,” prepaid rent, pet deposits, small-owner exceptions, and Berkeley-specific considerations. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/8/2026


When Communication Breaks Down: Access Rights, Repairs, and Avoiding Escalation
When Communication Breaks Down: Access Rights, Repairs, and Avoiding Escalation

Entry disputes can quickly spiral when owners or tenants misunderstand California access laws. Learn when lawful entry is permitted, how to properly notice repairs, and why calm, professional communication protects housing providers during difficult tenancies. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/6/2026


Raising the Rent on a Single-Family Home: How Much, How Often, and How to Do It Legally
Raising the Rent on a Single-Family Home: How Much, How Often, and How to Do It Legally

For most Berkeley single-family homes, the law may not limit the amount of a rent increase—but that doesn't mean there are no rules. Learn when state rent caps apply, how much notice is required, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/1/2026


VIDEO: The Top 10 Mistakes Property Owners Make – And How to Avoid Them
VIDEO: The Top 10 Mistakes Property Owners Make – And How to Avoid Them

Attorney Alana Grice Conner breaks down the most common mistakes housing providers make—and how to avoid them. Learn how small decisions can lead to major consequences, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Originally presented April 23, 2026. Continue Reading

Postedby Alana Grice Conner
Date posted04/23/2026


ARTICLE: 10 Mistakes Property Owners Make — and How to Avoid Them
ARTICLE: 10 Mistakes Property Owners Make — and How to Avoid Them

A companion to our 4/23/26 playback video, Top Ten Mistakes..., this article highlights common missteps rental housing providers make—and how proper documentation and BPOA forms can help you avoid costly disputes. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted04/23/2026