Measure BB changed the rules for Berkeley landlords: you can no longer require tenants to sign a new lease at the end of a fixed term. This article explains what happens when a lease ends, how auto-renewal and lease extensions work under the new law, and your options for lawful rent increases. Continue Reading
"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... Continue Reading
Received a mold report? Don’t panic! This step-by-step guide walks you through seven essential steps to properly assess, address, and prevent mold issues—keeping both your property and your residents protected. Continue Reading
Pets, ESAs, & Service Animals - What's the difference, and when can you charge fees? This article breaks it down in clear, everyday language designed to be accessible to rental housing providers, even if they’re not legal experts. Continue Reading
Use the table inside to understand what’s allowed, what’s required, and how to stay compliant when a tenant requests to live with a service animal or ESA. Continue Reading
If you rent to students, at some point, you’ve likely had to deal with roommate changes or the last-minute addition of a roommate to the lease. It’s stressful business, both for the property owner and the resident. Maybe the Original Tenants can’t agree on signing a lease... Continue Reading
Use this guide to help distinguish between tenant-caused damage (deductible) and normal wear and tear (not deductible). This is a reference tool—not a complete list. Continue Reading
It doesn't matter how bold of a typeface I use or that I have residents sign their initials next to the paragraph explaining the security deposit accounting and return process; regardless of this, one-third of departing residents will email me a few days after they've moved out to ask, "When will... Continue Reading
People spend more time interacting with marketing ads featuring photography. Research has proven that ads without photos = ads without views! In this article, the BPOA's deputy director shares her tricks and tips for getting great pics with a smartphone! Continue Reading
A handy "Power Outage Preparedness" checklist for you to pass on to your residents. Better education leads to better planning on their part and means less calls to you asking, "Why is my power out?" or "When will my power be back on?" Continue Reading
You Got an Inquiry — Now What?Your rental ad is finally getting some attention — great! If you've received inquiries, strike while the iron is hot. Respond to each one within 24 hours. Any delay could cost you a qualified applicant or leave a bad impression. Whether you follow up by... Continue Reading
What You and Your Residents Can Do to Safeguard Parcels from Package Theft. Continue Reading
