Whether you're just getting started or brushing up on best practices, this section walks you through the key rules, risks, and responsibilities of being a rental housing provider in Berkeley.
If you're new to this, start here. If you're not, you’ll still find answers worth bookmarking.
Learn what to ask before hiring a leasing agent, from fees and marketing to showings, applicant screening, Berkeley compliance, lease preparation, and move-in. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s Empty Homes Tax may apply when a residential unit is vacant more than 182 days in a calendar year. Learn who is affected, how vacancy is calculated, which exemptions and exclusion periods may apply, and what property owners should document to avoid an unexpected tax bill. Continue Reading
How to distinguish legitimate security deposit deductions from the ordinary cost of preparing your rental for the next tenant Continue Reading
What should you do when one lessee moves out but another wants to stay? Learn how joint and several liability, replacement roommates, Change of Occupancy Addenda, and rent-control status affect how you should handle changes to a tenancy. Continue Reading
A monthly walkthrough is one of the simplest ways to protect your rental property. Learn what to look for, why regular owner visits matter—even with professional management—and how to identify small issues before they become costly problems. Continue Reading
Smoking has been prohibited in Berkeley Multi-Unit Housing since 2014. Learn who must comply with the Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance, where smoking is prohibited, what signage and lease language are required, and download BPOA's ordinance-compliant smoke-free signs. Continue Reading
Should you furnish your rental? The answer depends on your property, target market, lease terms, and management style. Explore the advantages, tradeoffs, and hidden costs of furnished and unfurnished rentals to determine which strategy best supports your goals. Continue Reading
A thoughtfully furnished rental should be attractive, durable, and easy to maintain. Learn how to select furniture, linens, kitchenware, and household essentials that appeal to prospective residents, support your asking rent, and simplify turnover. Continue Reading
Whether reported by a tenant or discovered during an inspection, termites, dry rot, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles require prompt attention. Learn why early detection and investigation matter. Continue Reading
Considering smart locks for your rental property? Learn what Berkeley housing providers should know about keyed backups, resident notice, reasonable accommodations, Wi-Fi, access codes, and choosing durable hardware that works for both residents and management. Continue Reading
No, HUD did not eliminate emotional support animals. This article explains HUD's May 2026 memorandum, separates fact from fiction, and clarifies what Berkeley housing providers need to know before changing policies or practices. Continue Reading
Learn how to organize move-in and move-out photos using tools you may already have. This practical guide covers Google Drive, Google Photos, iPhone albums, cloud backups, photo organization, and documentation best practices for housing providers. Continue Reading
