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.
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
Selling a tenant-occupied property requires more than listing it. This guide explains what notice is required, when oral notice is allowed, and how to properly use BPOA’s Notice of Intent to Enter. 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
The Rent Board’s LIRA Committee has recommended a 1.0% Annual General Adjustment (AGA) for 2026. The full Board will vote on October 16, 2025, with increases effective January 1, 2026, for fully covered units. Unsure of your property’s status? Contact BPOA for guidance. Continue Reading
ChatGPT said: Survivors of domestic violence have the legal right to end a lease early without penalty. Learn how California law protects tenants seeking safety, what documentation is required, and how housing providers should handle these sensitive situations. Continue Reading
Don’t be misled by the “LA” ESA fee ruling. It was Louisiana, not Los Angeles. California law still prohibits charging ESA fees. Click to read more! Continue Reading
Can tenants claim a right to smoke marijuana in your units? Berkeley’s no-smoking ordinance and Fair Housing rules say otherwise. We’re busting the top myths so housing providers can enforce their policies with confidence. Continue Reading
E-bikes and scooters are ubiquitous, and California law stipulates that tenants have the right to keep them. Do your leases cover this? Learn what SB 712 requires and why BPOA’s Micromobility Devices Addendum should be part of every lease package - from the start!. Continue Reading
