Understand your responsibilities under state and federal Fair Housing laws. This section covers emotional support animals, service animals, screening practices, reasonable accommodations, advertising guidelines, and more. Protect yourself from discrimination claims by learning where good intentions may still lead to legal risk.
Breed lists aren’t a defense. ESAs and Service Animals are accommodations, not pets. Make individualized decisions; insurance isn’t an automatic out. Deny only for a current direct threat, fundamental alteration, or true undue burden, and document your reasoning. Continue Reading
Not all reasons for denying a tenant are legal. Learn which characteristics are always protected, which criteria you can safely use, and why written standards matter in Berkeley’s strict rental market. Continue Reading
Even routine decisions, like accepting a late fee or choosing between applicants, can carry Fair Housing risk. Learn how to spot the ethical red flags that could undermine your credibility or land you in legal trouble. Continue Reading
Don’t let a flood of inquiries become a fair housing liability. This article outlines the do’s and don’ts of responding to rental applicants, booking showings, and keeping your process consistent, legal, and manageable. Continue Reading
A beginners guide for Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Continue Reading
This article walks you through BPOA’s key forms used during the rental application process, what each one is for, when to use it, and how to stay compliant with California and federal law. Continue Reading
Think asking for a selfie with ID or a link to Instagram helps prevent fraud? Think again. Learn why sticking to BPOA’s standard rental application is not just smart, it’s legally safer. Continue Reading
A step-by-step guide to reviewing Intellirent Renter Resumes, applying screening criteria, and selecting a qualified tenant while staying compliant with state and local laws. Continue Reading
Use this guide before posting your rental listing! Continue Reading
International applicants often lack U.S. credit, but they can still be screened responsibly. This guide explains how to verify identity, assess financial stability, and evaluate rental history, all while adhering to California law and fair housing rules. Continue Reading
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
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
