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.
What you don’t know about fair housing can hurt you. Attorney Steve Williams covers the rules, risks, and real-world pitfalls that trip up housing providers—and how to stay compliant at every step of the leasing process. Originally aired on 04/09/2026 Continue Reading
How should Berkeley housing providers screen applicants who use housing vouchers? This guide explains voucher verification, income-to-rent calculations, and how to evaluate financial qualification under California law, which prohibits the use of credit scores. Continue Reading
You can’t rely on a no-pets clause to deny an ESA or service animal. Requests can be made at any time. This guide explains what the law requires, what documentation is valid, and how to respond correctly. Continue Reading
Use this guide before posting your rental listing! 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
In 2008, landlords could ask about criminal history—and often did. Today, Berkeley’s Fair Chance Housing Ordinance makes that illegal. This Then & Now column compares what landlords could do then versus what’s allowed now. Continue Reading
When a tenant makes a request tied to a disability, do you know whether it’s a reasonable accommodation (a change in rules or services) or a reasonable modification (a physical change to the property)? 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
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
