Housing Provider 101

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. 

Free Resources Policy & Regulatory

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 under... Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/1/2025


BPOA's Insurance Addendum Explained
BPOA's Insurance Addendum Explained

BPOA’s Insurance Addendum explains the renter’s insurance requirements in the lease, including minimums for liability and loss-of-use coverage, proof-of-insurance deadlines, and key terms housing providers should understand when completing the form. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/1/2025


What To Do When You Purchase a Berkeley Property With Tenants and No Leases
What To Do When You Purchase a Berkeley Property With Tenants and No Leases

What to do if you buy a Berkeley rental property with tenants but no leases. Protect yourself with proper disclosures, documentation, and compliance. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted04/28/2025


Cover Your Assets: A Landlord’s Guide to Maintenance and Habitability Documentation
Cover Your Assets: A Landlord’s Guide to Maintenance and Habitability Documentation

Learn how to protect your property and reduce risk with smart documentation strategies. This guide covers how to track repairs, document tenant-caused issues, and prepare for disputes, Rent Board petitions, and city inspections. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted04/1/2025


Completing the Notice of Tenant Rights for Partially Covered Units
Completing the Notice of Tenant Rights for Partially Covered Units

Some Berkeley units are “partially covered” by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Learn when to use the Notice of Tenant Rights form, how to complete it correctly, and what obligations still apply to owners even without rent ceilings. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted01/1/2025


RSO Compliance 101: Determine Your Unit’s Coverage and Obligations in Berkeley
RSO Compliance 101: Determine Your Unit’s Coverage and Obligations in Berkeley

Understanding the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and Your Responsibilities as a Rental Housing Provider Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted12/20/2024