Help! I'm Brand-New to This and Don't Know Where to Start!

So, you’ve decided to rent out a property in Berkeley, and now your head is spinning. Whether you're renting for the first time or just dipping your toe into the city's rental market, you’re not alone. Berkeley has some of the most complex rental laws in California, but don’t panic. We’re here to help.

This guide will walk you through the essentials, from property classification to compliance and best practices.

Step 1: Identify What Kind of Property You’re Renting

Your responsibilities depend on how your property is classified under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The three main categories are:

• Fully Covered: Most multi-unit buildings built before 1980

• Partially Covered: Single-family homes, condos, and newer construction

• Exempt: Owner-occupied units that share kitchen or bath, hospitals, dorms, etc.

Step 2: Understand When to Register

Contrary to what some owners believe, you don’t register your property before placing a tenant.
Initial registration with the Rent Board happens only after a tenancy begins.

• You’ll file a Registration Statement once the lease is signed and the unit is occupied.

• After that, registration becomes an annual obligation by July 1st (even if the rent doesn’t increase).

• Registration is required even for properties exempt from rent control, as long as eviction protections apply.

Step 3: Be Careful with Your Rental Listing

Creating a rental ad? Pause before you hit “publish.”

• Avoid words like “quiet,” “safe,” or “perfect for…” These can create fair housing concerns.

• Don’t ask tenants to “tell you about themselves.” Even if your intent is innocent, it’s risky.

👉 Stick to neutral, factual descriptions of the property and amenities.

Step 4: Screen Tenants Legally

The city and state have specific rules about:

• Application fees and what must be disclosed

• Use of credit reports and background checks

• The Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, which limits how and when you can consider criminal history

👉  Use our Leasing & Screening section in the Knowledge Hub to stay on the right track.

Step 5: Use the Right Forms

Standard lease templates from online platforms often fail to comply with Berkeley law.
BPOA provides:

• City-specific lease template

• Required addenda and disclosures

• Guidance documents containing step-by-step guidance to help you navigate lease forms, tenant screening, and legal compliance while you’re still learning the ropes.

 👉️ Head to the Rental Housing Forms Library to get started.

Step 6: Explore the Knowledge Hub

As a BPOA member, you have access to dozens of compliance-focused articles.
Use the dropdown filter to browse by topic, including:

• Compliance & Regulations

• Leasing & Screening

• Fair Housing

• Security Deposit Guidance

• Starting/Ending a Tenancy

• Marketing & Pricing
  …and more.

👉 Once logged into the BPOA website, you can access the Knowledge Hub from the Content Library section.

Step 7: Ask for Help

Not sure what applies to you? Unsure if your lease is compliant?
That’s why we’re here. Send us an email (bpoa@bpoa.org) or give us a call (510) 525-3666! We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.