Maintenance & Repairs

This section offers clear, practical guidance to help you maintain your property and fulfill your repair obligations as a rental housing provider. From seasonal upkeep to mold prevention and lead-safe work practices, our articles and resources are designed to support habitability, reduce costly surprises, and keep your units in good condition. Whether you're preparing for move-in or tackling mid-tenancy repairs, you'll find actionable information to stay on top of your responsibilities.

Free Resources Golden Duplex Policy & Regulatory

Plumbing and Drain Care: Preventing Clogs and Water Damage
Plumbing and Drain Care: Preventing Clogs and Water Damage

Plumbing systems can clog from normal buildup, aging infrastructure, or improper disposal of materials. This guide explains common causes of drain problems, clarifies the owner's and residents' responsibilities, and outlines safe practices to help prevent costly plumbing repairs. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/15/2026


Maintenance and Repairs: How Issues Are Identified, Reported, and Resolved
Maintenance and Repairs: How Issues Are Identified, Reported, and Resolved

Maintenance is part of normal occupancy. This guide outlines how repair concerns are communicated, evaluated, and addressed, and clarifies the shared responsibilities that help prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2026


When A Landlord Can Charge For Cleaning: An Overview of State Law
When A Landlord Can Charge For Cleaning: An Overview of State Law

Understanding Reasonable Cleanliness, Move-Out Inspections, and Legal Deposit Deductions Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/9/2025


Before You Disturb the Paint: Lead-Safe Work Rules for Pre-1978 Units
Before You Disturb the Paint: Lead-Safe Work Rules for Pre-1978 Units

If your property was built before 1978, disturbing painted surfaces, even for routine repairs, can trigger strict federal and state lead safety rules. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/7/2025


Mindset Shift: Just Fixing It vs. Documenting Everything
Mindset Shift: Just Fixing It vs. Documenting Everything

Article #1 of our new series, Mindset Shift: From Friendly to Legally Smart Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted04/1/2025


Cover Your Assets: A Landlord’s Guide to Maintenance and Habitability Documentation
Cover Your Assets: A Landlord’s Guide to Maintenance and Habitability Documentation

Learn how to protect your property and reduce risk with smart documentation strategies. This guide covers how to track repairs, document tenant-caused issues, and prepare for disputes, Rent Board petitions, and city inspections. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted04/1/2025


Handling Mold Reports in Your Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide
Handling Mold Reports in Your Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted03/1/2025


Berkeley’s E3 Program: What Property Owners Need to Know
Berkeley’s E3 Program: What Property Owners Need to Know

Berkeley’s E3 Program requires periodic inspections of balconies, decks, stairs, and other exterior elevated elements. This article explains which properties are covered, inspection cycles, owner responsibilities, and what to expect if repairs are required. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/15/2025


The Key to Compliance: What You Can (and Can’t) Do When Changing Locks
The Key to Compliance: What You Can (and Can’t) Do When Changing Locks

Before you call the locksmith, know the rules. This guide explains when and how rental housing providers can legally change or rekey locks while staying compliant with state and local law. Continue Reading

Date posted01/1/2025


Mold Complaints: When It’s Not a Leak—It’s a Lifestyle
Mold Complaints: When It’s Not a Leak—It’s a Lifestyle

Common tenant-related causes of mold and what rental housing providers can and should do to safeguard their properties Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Are Landlords Required to Let Tenants Test for Lead or Mold?
Are Landlords Required to Let Tenants Test for Lead or Mold?

A breakdown of when landlords must allow testing, when they can refuse, and what you’re actually required to do under the law. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted01/1/2025


Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Berkeley Rental Properties This Fall
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Berkeley Rental Properties This Fall

Key maintenance tasks to keep your property running smoothly and tenants happy during the fall season. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted10/1/2024