Housing Provider 101

Whether you're new to the business or brushing up on best practices, this series walks through the key rules, risks, and responsibilities of being a rental housing provider in Berkeley. Bookmark it—there's always something worth revisiting.

Affiliate News & Updates BPOA News & Commentary Compliance & Regulations Fair Housing Free Resources Housing Provider 101 Insurance Landlord Best Practices Leasing & Screening Maintenance & Repairs Marketing & Pricing Membership & Benefits Only in Berkeley Risk & Asset Protection Security Deposit Guidance Starting/Ending A Tenancy Wealth & Legacy

How to Complete Addendum No. 1: Just Cause and Rent Cap Disclosure
How to Complete Addendum No. 1: Just Cause and Rent Cap Disclosure

Not sure how to complete the “Just Cause and Rent Cap Disclosure” in your lease? This step-by-step guide breaks down Addendum No. 1, explains which laws apply to your unit, and clarifies when disclosures are optional versus required. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/12/2025


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

A beginners guide for Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/11/2025


2025 Security Deposit Guidance for California Landlords
2025 Security Deposit Guidance for California Landlords

New year, same questions. California’s security deposit law changed in 2024; are you in compliance? This 2025 guide explains what you can (and can’t) collect, how to handle “last month’s rent,” and how Berkeley’s local rules layer on top. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/1/2025


BPOA's Application Process Forms: When and How to Use Them
BPOA's Application Process Forms: When and How to Use Them

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

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/30/2025


Stick to the Script: Why You Should Never Ask for More Than What's on the BPOA Rental Application
Stick to the Script: Why You Should Never Ask for More Than What's on the BPOA Rental Application

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

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/27/2025


Detecting Deception in Rental Applications: How to Spot Red Flags Before It's Too Late
Detecting Deception in Rental Applications: How to Spot Red Flags Before It's Too Late

In an era of fake pay stubs, spoofed references, and AI-generated documents, screening applicants is more complicated than ever. Learn how to identify common red flags and protect yourself from costly mistakes. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/23/2025


How To Price Your Rental (When No One Can Tell You What to Charge)
How To Price Your Rental (When No One Can Tell You What to Charge)

"How Should I Price My Rental?" Members often ask us how much they should charge for rent. While it's a natural question, it's important to understand that we cannot provide specific rental pricing or share what other members are charging. That could be considered collusion, which is illegal... Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/1/2025