The Knowledge Hub curates BPOA’s most valuable educational resources—newsletters, articles, recorded webinars, and more—organized by topic for quick access. Whether you’re tackling a rent registration issue, preparing for move-in, or trying to understand a new regulation, this is where you’ll find topic-specific guidance, fast.
Buying a Berkeley rental property with tenants already in place? Learn what to review before closing, including tenancy records, Rent Board files, security deposits, rental agreements, property status, required notices, and other obligations you may inherit. Continue Reading
Inside this issue: Capitol & Council; From the Archives; 2200 Bancroft Construction is Underway; CalRHA Public Policy Update; SF Landlords Win Ruling on City Vacancy Tax; But What Does it Mean Across the Bay?; Berkeley Ferry Plan Gets a Boost; and more... Continue Reading
Have a Berkeley rental unit that may be nonconforming or unpermitted? Learn how to research its history, understand conflicting City records, protect an existing tenancy, explore legalization options, and determine your next steps. Continue Reading
Understand Berkeley’s utility billing rules for fully-covered units, including shared meters, RUBS, individually metered utilities, and how the rules differ based on when the tenancy began. Continue Reading
When bedrooms are rented separately, can management enter shared interior spaces without notice? Learn how California’s landlord-entry rules apply to room-by-room rentals and what housing providers should consider before scheduling showings. Continue Reading
Signed lease in hand? Don’t hand over the keys just yet! From initial payments and move-in inspections to required documentation and Rent Board registration, here’s what every Berkeley rental housing provider should do to ensure a smooth start and avoid costly mistakes. Continue Reading
From rent adjustments and hearings to preserving important property records, learn how the petition process works and what BPOA discovered while organizing hundreds of historical petition files. Continue Reading
Intellirent now requires applicants to review and agree to share their screening reports before housing providers can view them. Learn what the new sharing requirement means, how to recognize when an applicant’s reports are awaiting consent, and how to help applicants complete the process. Continue Reading
Learn what to ask before hiring a property manager, from fees and maintenance practices to reporting, communication, Berkeley compliance, and who will actually be keeping an eye on your property. Continue Reading
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
Learn when adding a roommate may qualify a Berkeley housing provider for an increased-occupancy rent adjustment, how base occupancy is determined, why some additional occupants do not qualify, and what happens when occupancy later decreases. Continue Reading
