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.
Please note: unless you use the search bar to filter by keyword, or sort by category with the topic/category filter, content will display in chronological order, with the most recent posts first.
After the March 2026 Owners Forum with Sam Sorokin, many members asked about lease renewals, rent increases, and concessions. In Berkeley, the rules differ depending on whether a unit is fully covered, partially covered, or exempt from rent control, which affects common leasing strategies. Continue Reading
No housing provider plans to end up at the Rent Board or in court. But in Berkeley’s regulated environment, strong documentation matters. Learn how to build and maintain a complete electronic property file that protects your time, your position, and your professionalism. Continue Reading
Owning rental property in Berkeley can be rewarding, but it’s never simple. With one of the most complex rent control ordinances in the country and a city government that frequently updates local laws and fees, small mistakes can have big consequences. Continue Reading
In this month's issue: The Aging of Berkeley's Rental Housing; HUD Demands Tenants Verify Citizenship; Rent Board Archive: 2018 Op-Ed; CalRHA Public Policy Update March 2026; S.F. Apartment Rents Surge, L.A. Slumps; ChatGPT on Tenant Displacement Rules; Santa Barbara Rent Freeze; and more... Continue Reading
Inside this month's issue: L.A.'s Mansion Tax; Rushed Tenant Ordinance; L.A. Candidates Talk Housing; Local Property Owners Are Being Unfairly Burdened by Parcel Taxes; CalRHA Webinars and Education Continue Reading
Entry into a rental unit is governed by state law and is also required to meet Berkeley’s annual Rental Housing Safety Program requirements. This guide explains when access is permitted, how notice works, and how owners and residents share responsibility for lawful and respectful entry. Continue Reading
Received a Form 571-R from Alameda County? Learn what the Apartment House Property Statement is, what must be reported, key deadlines, and how to prepare for easier filing in future years. Continue Reading
Micromobility devices like e-bikes and scooters are increasingly common in rental housing. This guide outlines registration requirements, safe charging practices, and shared responsibilities to help owners and residents reduce fire risk and maintain safe buildings. Continue Reading
Employment verifications help confirm income and job status, but they are only part of the screening process. Learn what employment checks typically verify and how they fit into a complete, consistent screening process. Continue Reading
Each adult applicant must submit their own application and undergo their own screening. Learn why separate applications support consistent screening, clearer documentation, and stronger defensibility if screening decisions are questioned. Continue Reading
Consistent screening protects housing providers. Learn how written screening criteria, consistent review processes, and complete documentation help reduce fair housing risk and support defensible screening decisions. Continue Reading
Screening criteria guide your process, but they do not make decisions for you. Learn the difference between building screening standards and selecting an applicant, and why housing providers must make final decisions. Continue Reading
