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.
Inside this issue: Owner Move-In, Ellis Act, or Tenant Buyout?; Empty Empires; Berkeley Apartment Complex is Foreclosed; Berkeley's Tallest-Ever Dorm; Muni Parcel Tax Cost-Sharing; Landlording with Mark, the Nuts & Bolts, and more... Continue Reading
Learn how to use the Visual Paradigm viewer for BPOA’s online newsletter (and affiliate newsletters): start in full screen, navigate pages, zoom up to 500%, switch layouts, read in text mode, download or print as a PDF, and use search, annotations, and audio features. Continue Reading
RHSP compliance requires more than an inspection: owners must complete the SCC each year, keep it on file, provide tenant copies, and pay the annual City fee. This guide explains what Berkeley housing providers must do by July 1. Continue Reading
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required by California law in rental housing. This guide explains installation requirements, clarifies owner and resident responsibilities, and outlines why alarms must remain installed, operable, and free from tampering at all times. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s Business License does not apply to all landlords. For residential rentals, it is generally triggered only if you own 3+ units on one parcel or 5+ rental units citywide. This guide explains how those thresholds work in practice. Continue Reading
Plumbing systems can clog from normal buildup, aging infrastructure, or improper disposal of materials. This guide explains common causes of drain problems, clarifies the owner's and residents' responsibilities, and outlines safe practices to help prevent costly plumbing repairs. Continue Reading
Selling a tenant-occupied property requires more than listing it. This guide explains what notice is required, when oral notice is allowed, and how to properly use BPOA’s Notice of Intent to Enter. Continue Reading
You can’t rely on a no-pets clause to deny an ESA or service animal. Requests can be made at any time. This guide explains what the law requires, what documentation is valid, and how to respond correctly. Continue Reading
Today, USPS no longer reliably stamps mail when you hand it over or drop it in a mailbox. Most mail is now postmarked later, when it is processed by an automated regional sorting facility. That can be days after you mailed it. Continue Reading
Clear, professional communication supports stable tenancies. This guide outlines communication standards, documentation practices, and boundaries that help prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict throughout the tenancy. Continue Reading
Maintenance is part of normal occupancy. This guide outlines how repair concerns are communicated, evaluated, and addressed, and clarifies the shared responsibilities that help prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems. Continue Reading
Choosing a property manager affects leasing, compliance, operations, and risk. Learn what Berkeley housing providers should look for and what questions to ask before hiring a management company. Continue Reading
