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.
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
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
In this March 2026 session of the Owners Forum, BPOA Vice President and Berkeley property manager Sam Sorokin shares his perspectives on leasing strategy, structuring lease terms, and managing risk in Berkeley’s regulatory environment, followed by questions and discussion. Continue Reading
In this one-hour Zoom seminar, Sam Sorokin will walk housing providers through the lease renewal process, focusing on when renewing makes sense, when it may not, and how to approach the renewal “ask” thoughtfully and lawfully. (Originally aired 02/05/2026) 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
As the end of the year approaches, it is the perfect time for rental housing providers to look back at the trends and challenges that shaped the leasing landscape in 2025. To help owners and operators stay ahead of the curve, BPOA hosted a special webinar with Kathleen Castro, Client Success Manager Continue Reading
In 2008, landlords could ask about criminal history—and often did. Today, Berkeley’s Fair Chance Housing Ordinance makes that illegal. This Then & Now column compares what landlords could do then versus what’s allowed now. Continue Reading
