Leasing & Screening

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.

Free Resources

Breed Lists Are Not a Defense: Handling ESA Requests the Right Way
Breed Lists Are Not a Defense: Handling ESA Requests the Right Way

Breed lists aren’t a defense. ESAs and Service Animals are accommodations, not pets. Make individualized decisions; insurance isn’t an automatic out. Deny only for a current direct threat, fundamental alteration, or true undue burden, and document your reasoning. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/28/2025


Verification Gaps in Intellirent? Don't Panic!
Verification Gaps in Intellirent? Don't Panic!

A failed Intellirent verification doesn’t mean a failed applicant or a bad tool. Sometimes the information just doesn’t come back at all. Learn why that happens and how to follow up with your due diligence. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/19/2025


Pricing, Deposits, and Lease Terms: Staying Compliant in Berkeley's Changing Rental Market
Pricing, Deposits, and Lease Terms: Staying Compliant in Berkeley's Changing Rental Market

New laws and Berkeley’s RSO set strict rules for deposits, pricing, and lease terms. Learn how to advertise consistently, stay within deposit caps, and avoid pitfalls when negotiating rent with prospective tenants. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/18/2025


Screening vs. Discrimination: What Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Can and Cannot Do
Screening vs. Discrimination: What Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Can and Cannot Do

Not all reasons for denying a tenant are legal. Learn which characteristics are always protected, which criteria you can safely use, and why written standards matter in Berkeley’s strict rental market. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/15/2025


VIDEO: Master Online Rental Marketing –Create Listings that Shine
VIDEO: Master Online Rental Marketing –Create Listings that Shine

Learn how to attract more qualified applicants—faster. This hands-on session walks you through Intellirent’s marketing tools to help your listings stand out across dozens of platforms. Whether you're new to online leasing or ready to level up your strategy, this is where to start. Continue Reading

Postedby Kathleen Castro
Date posted08/13/2025


VIDEO: Locking It Down: How to Master New Laws on Security Deposits & Applications
VIDEO: Locking It Down: How to Master New Laws on Security Deposits & Applications

Learn how new state laws impact security deposits and rental applications. This webinar covers key legal changes, compliance tips, and best practices to protect your business and plan your next tenancy with confidence. Presented by BPOA Executive Director, Krista Gulbransen Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/31/2025


Everyday Ethics in Property Management: Decisions That Shape Legal Risk
Everyday Ethics in Property Management: Decisions That Shape Legal Risk

Even routine decisions, like accepting a late fee or choosing between applicants, can carry Fair Housing risk. Learn how to spot the ethical red flags that could undermine your credibility or land you in legal trouble. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/15/2025


Help! I'm Brand-New to This and Don't Know Where to Start!
Help! I'm Brand-New to This and Don't Know Where to Start!

A beginners guide for Berkeley Rental Housing Providers Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/11/2025


BPOA's Application Process Forms: When and How to Use Them
BPOA's Application Process Forms: When and How to Use Them

This article walks you through BPOA’s key forms used during the rental application process, what each one is for, when to use it, and how to stay compliant with California and federal law. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/30/2025


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


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