From setting rent and evaluating applicants to issuing leases and onboarding new tenants, this section offers guidance on every phase of the leasing process. Explore best practices, legal requirements, and compliance tips to help you lease confidently and screen fairly—no matter the size of your property.
Originally presented live on 7/9/26; Learn how to identify rental application fraud, recognize fake documents, and discover how Intellirent helps housing providers protect against today's increasingly sophisticated scams. Presentation resources (slides, renter resume) will be added once received! Continue Reading
Roommates move out, partners move in, and families grow. Changes in household composition are a normal part of rental housing, but in Berkeley, they can have consequences that extend well beyond updating the names on a lease. Continue Reading
This article explains the purpose, obligations, and essential legal elements of BPOA’s Guarantor Agreement when used in Berkeley rental housing. Continue Reading
No, HUD did not eliminate emotional support animals. This article explains HUD's May 2026 memorandum, separates fact from fiction, and clarifies what Berkeley housing providers need to know before changing policies or practices. Continue Reading
You followed your screening criteria, denied the application, and thought the matter was over — until the applicant accused you of discrimination. This article explores what investigators look for next, why consistency matters, and how documentation can become your strongest defense. Continue Reading
California screening laws focus heavily on disclosures, documentation, and process compliance. Learn how Intellirent’s built-in workflows help BPOA members manage applicant authorizations, report delivery, adverse action notices, and screening recordkeeping. Continue Reading
Fraudulent rental applications are becoming harder to detect. This guide explains how to reduce risk using a consistent, compliant screening process—without stepping outside fair housing requirements. Continue Reading
New to Intellirent? This beginner-friendly guide walks BPOA members through the basics, from accessing Intellirent through the BPOA website and creating property listings to sending applications, reviewing screening reports, and understanding key settings and workflows. Continue Reading
In this April 28, 2026 Owners Forum, Sam Sorokin shares practical guidance on managing rental turnovers in Berkeley, including current leasing conditions, preparing units for the market, and making strategic decisions about improvements, pricing, and the turnover process. Continue Reading
What’s actually happening in Berkeley right now? In this April 28, 2026 Owners Forum, Sam Sorokin shares real-time insights on leasing trends, turnovers, and the risks housing providers should be watching in today’s market. Continue Reading
It’s easy to rely on instinct during showings—but deciding someone isn’t “a good fit” before they even apply creates risk. This article explains why early, subjective decisions are hard to defend and how to keep your screening process consistent and compliant. Continue Reading
How should Berkeley housing providers screen applicants who use housing vouchers? This guide explains voucher verification, income-to-rent calculations, and how to evaluate financial qualification under California law, which prohibits the use of credit scores. Continue Reading
