Knowledge Hub

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.

Free Resources

Stick to the Script: Why You Should Never Ask for More Than What's on the BPOA Rental Application
Stick to the Script: Why You Should Never Ask for More Than What's on the BPOA Rental Application

Think asking for a selfie with ID or a link to Instagram helps prevent fraud? Think again. Learn why sticking to BPOA’s standard rental application is not just smart, it’s legally safer. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/27/2025


Hoarding in Rental Units: How to Address Habitability Without Violating Tenant Rights
Hoarding in Rental Units: How to Address Habitability Without Violating Tenant Rights

How to handle hoarding while meeting habitability and legal duties Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/23/2025


Detecting Deception in Rental Applications: How to Spot Red Flags Before It's Too Late
Detecting Deception in Rental Applications: How to Spot Red Flags Before It's Too Late

In an era of fake pay stubs, spoofed references, and AI-generated documents, screening applicants is more complicated than ever. Learn how to identify common red flags and protect yourself from costly mistakes. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/23/2025


Charging Screening Fees in 2025: California's New Rules Under Civil Code 1950.6
Charging Screening Fees in 2025: California's New Rules Under Civil Code 1950.6

New rules under AB 2493 require California landlords to follow one of two approved screening processes—and issue refunds, receipts, and disclosures accordingly. Learn how to stay compliant under Civil Code § 1950.6. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/23/2025


Pre-Move-Out Inspections & Photo Documentation — Protecting Your Right to Deductions
Pre-Move-Out Inspections & Photo Documentation — Protecting Your Right to Deductions

Pre-move-out inspections are not just a formality—they’re the first step in protecting your right to lawful deductions. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/21/2025


Storage PODs in Berkeley: What Housing Providers Need to Know
Storage PODs in Berkeley: What Housing Providers Need to Know

Has your incoming or outgoing tenant asked about parking a storage POD on your property or on the city street? This article covers the basics! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/20/2025


Your Tenants Have Given Notice to Vacate — Now What?
Your Tenants Have Given Notice to Vacate — Now What?

A step-by-step guide for Berkeley rental housing providers Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/20/2025


Your New Tenant Is Official—Now What? A Step-by-Step Move-In Guide
Your New Tenant Is Official—Now What? A Step-by-Step Move-In Guide

Signed lease in hand? Don’t hand over the keys just yet. Here’s what every landlord should do between lease signing and move-in day to ensure a smooth start and avoid costly mistakes! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/20/2025


Leasing Logistics: When to Use BPOA's Offer to Rent, Start Dates, and Prorated Rent
Leasing Logistics: When to Use BPOA's Offer to Rent, Start Dates, and Prorated Rent

This article tackles some common leasing questions Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/19/2025


VIDEO: College Student Rentals: Legal Issues for Landlords, Renters,and Guarantors
VIDEO: College Student Rentals: Legal Issues for Landlords, Renters,and Guarantors

If you missed the livestream on May 8th, don’t miss the playback. Clifford Fried, leading landlord-tenant attorney and partner at Fried, Williams Grice Conner LLP, guides BPOA members through key issues in college student rentals. A must-watch for any housing provider who rents to students! Continue Reading

Postedby Clifford Fried
Date posted05/15/2025


2025–2026 Rent Board Registration Fees: Don't Miss the Deadline!
2025–2026 Rent Board Registration Fees: Don't Miss the Deadline!

Berkeley rental property owners: stay on top of your annual registration obligations. This quick reference guide breaks down the 2025–2026 Rent Board fees by unit type and outlines key compliance steps. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/14/2025


Guidance: Using the CARES Act-Compliant Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Guidance: Using the CARES Act-Compliant Notice to Pay Rent or Quit

Learn when and how to use the 30-day Pay Rent or Quit notice required under the CARES Act for certain federally backed or subsidized properties. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/14/2025