These publicly available materials offer a glimpse into the kind of guidance BPOA provides to its members. While most of our resources are member-only, this section includes a few tools and references open to all.
Inside this issue: Capitol & Council; Op-Ed: We Need to Solve Squatting; Berkeley Tenant Union BRSB Nominees; CalRHA Public Policy Update March 2026; "Why Rent Controls Don't Work (from 1977!); Some Tenants Get It; Berkeley Ranked Worst Housing Market for Buyers; The Nuts & Bolts; and more... Continue Reading
From notice to deposit return, each step matters. Send required documents early, conduct inspections properly, document conditions, and return the deposit within 21 days of move-out. Includes Berkeley-specific requirements like deposit interest. Continue Reading
Registration fees are due Thursday, July 2, 2026. Miss the deadline, and the penalty doubles your cost. This guide covers who must register, what you owe, and how to avoid common mistakes. Continue Reading
Owning rental property in Berkeley can be rewarding, but it’s never simple. With one of the most complex rent control ordinances in the country and a city government that frequently updates local laws and fees, small mistakes can have big consequences. Continue Reading
Rodent issues can quickly become maintenance and habitability concerns. Learn why some housing providers choose exclusion-based rodent control, how the process works, and what to expect from inspection through monitoring. Continue Reading
San Francisco’s Empty Homes Tax is now before the Court of Appeal — and the ruling could reshape how Berkeley enforces its own vacant unit tax. Learn why BPOA filed an amicus brief and what’s at stake for property owners. Continue Reading
A complete copy of BPOA’s 2025 amicus curiae brief filed in the Court of Appeal in the San Francisco Empty Homes Tax case. Provided here in full for member reference. 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
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program has recently been expanded! Learn about the funding options for Berkeley rental housing owners. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s composting and recycling rules apply to all rentals, but containers vary by property type. Learn what goes where, how to avoid contamination notices, and where to get free tenant handouts and bin posters in BPOA’s Rental Housing Forms Library. Continue Reading
In this month's issue: Local Taxpayer Protection Act; AB 2801's Requirements; Behind the High Cost of Rent; PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment; Who is Served by the Housing Choice Voucher Program? A State- and County-Level Look Continue Reading
Leasing or managing rentals in Berkeley? BPOA’s Realtor Membership gives you access to city-specific tools, updates, and support so you can navigate local rules, assist your clients confidently, and stay compliant in one of California’s most complex rental markets. Continue Reading
