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

The Lease Addendum for Purpose of Future Costa-Hawkins Rent Increase & When You Should You Use It
The Lease Addendum for Purpose of Future Costa-Hawkins Rent Increase & When You Should You Use It

What Is the Lease Addendum for Purpose of Future Costa-Hawkins Rent Increase—And When Should You Use It? Read on to find out! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Animals in Rental Housing: Understanding Pets, ESAs, and Service Animals
Animals in Rental Housing: Understanding Pets, ESAs, and Service Animals

Pets, ESAs, & Service Animals - What's the difference, and when can you charge fees? This article breaks it down in clear, everyday language designed to be accessible to rental housing providers, even if they’re not legal experts. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Who Can Serve a Notice of Intent to Enter in California?
Who Can Serve a Notice of Intent to Enter in California?

Who can serve notices to renters? Read on to learn! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


What Landlords Need to Know About Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Berkeley
What Landlords Need to Know About Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Berkeley

Use the table inside to understand what’s allowed, what’s required, and how to stay compliant when a tenant requests to live with a service animal or ESA. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Rent Reductions: What Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Need to Know
Rent Reductions: What Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Need to Know

Whether your unit is fully covered, partially covered, or exempt, it’s important to understand how rent reductions affect your legal rights and your ability to adjust rent in the future. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Understanding Just Cause for Eviction in Berkeley
Understanding Just Cause for Eviction in Berkeley

An overview of Berkeley's "Just Cause for Eviction" rules as of December 20, 2024. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Are Landlords Required to Let Tenants Test for Lead or Mold?
Are Landlords Required to Let Tenants Test for Lead or Mold?

A breakdown of when landlords must allow testing, when they can refuse, and what you’re actually required to do under the law. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program
Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program

A guide by the Rent Board on Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program Continue Reading

Postedby Amanda Eberhart
Date posted01/1/2025


NEW! Rent Board Notices Required for Leases
NEW! Rent Board Notices Required for Leases

Required notices to all tenancies in Berkeley, at the inception of the tenancy Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted12/26/2024


Nuts & Bolts (January 2025)
Nuts & Bolts (January 2025)

Unlocking the Benefits of Berkeley's ADU & JADU Amnesty Program Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted12/23/2024


Tenant Organizing in Berkeley: Rules, Responsibilities, and Exemptions
Tenant Organizing in Berkeley: Rules, Responsibilities, and Exemptions

As of December 20, 2024, Berkeley tenants in certain properties have a legally protected Right to Organize. This new provision requires qualifying landlords to recognize tenant associations, participate in good faith meetings, and avoid interfering with organizing activities. Learn more: Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted12/20/2024


RSO Compliance 101: Determine Your Unit’s Coverage and Obligations in Berkeley
RSO Compliance 101: Determine Your Unit’s Coverage and Obligations in Berkeley

Understanding the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and Your Responsibilities as a Rental Housing Provider Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted12/20/2024