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.
State law requiring offering tenant the ability to have their positive rental payment information reported to a nationwide credit agency. Continue Reading
A playback recording of Sam Sorokin's March 12th, 2025, leasing workshop. Grab a cup of coffee, a notepad and pen, and spend an hour and a half-ish learning from a leasing master with 30 years experience! Continue Reading
Local landlord attorney, Daniel Bornstein, gives an overview of the revisions to Civil Code 1950.6, the result of legislation aimed to enhance transparency in the tenant application process, and summarizes the rules for housing providers who charge tenant application & screening fees. Continue Reading
International applicants often lack U.S. credit, but they can still be screened responsibly. This guide explains how to verify identity, assess financial stability, and evaluate rental history, all while adhering to California law and fair housing rules. Continue Reading
Learn when to use a lease addendum and when to create a separate agreement—especially for optional services like parking or storage that aren’t included in the rent. 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
When to use an Offer to Rent, How it Works, and When You Can Claim Daily Damages Continue Reading
This article explains the purpose, obligations, and essential legal elements of BPOA’s Guarantor Agreement when used in Berkeley rental housing. This is not legal advice—when in doubt, consult an attorney. Continue Reading
Roommates move out, romantic partners move in, or new household members are added. Any time there's a change in household composition, it’s smart—and often necessary—to document it in writing. 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
Required notices to all tenancies in Berkeley, at the inception of the tenancy Continue Reading
Understanding the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and Your Responsibilities as a Rental Housing Provider Continue Reading
