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.
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
When a tenant offers to pay for new flooring or another modification, don’t agree casually. First, determine whether it is a required repair or voluntary upgrade, then protect the property with an MOU covering contractors, permits, costs, relocation, and restoration. Continue Reading
Understanding repair disruptions, rent credits, Rent Board petitions, and Berkeley’s Relocation Ordinance 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
Roommates move out, partners move in, and families grow. Changes in household composition are a normal part of rental housing, but in Berkeley, they can have consequences that extend well beyond updating the names on a lease. Continue Reading
When a tenant dies, important legal responsibilities remain. Learn how California law addresses tenancy termination, estate authority, safeguarding personal belongings, security deposits, and disclosure requirements for future tenants. Continue Reading
This article explains the purpose, obligations, and essential legal elements of BPOA’s Guarantor Agreement when used in Berkeley rental housing. 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
