From Golden Duplexes to Fair Chance Housing, Berkeley has carved its own legal path. This group of articles highlight the city-specific rules every local housing provider should know.
Have a Berkeley rental unit that may be nonconforming or unpermitted? Learn how to research its history, understand conflicting City records, protect an existing tenancy, explore legalization options, and determine your next steps. Continue Reading
From rent adjustments and hearings to preserving important property records, learn how the petition process works and what BPOA discovered while organizing hundreds of historical petition files. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s Empty Homes Tax may apply when a residential unit is vacant more than 182 days in a calendar year. Learn who is affected, how vacancy is calculated, which exemptions and exclusion periods may apply, and what property owners should document to avoid an unexpected tax bill. Continue Reading
Learn when adding a roommate may qualify a Berkeley housing provider for an increased-occupancy rent adjustment, how base occupancy is determined, why some additional occupants do not qualify, and what happens when occupancy later decreases. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s Amnesty Program offers owners of eligible single-family properties a path to legalize certain unpermitted ADUs and JADUs built before 2020. Free anonymous consultations are available before applying. The program runs through 2028. Continue Reading
Smoking has been prohibited in Berkeley Multi-Unit Housing since 2014. Learn who must comply with the Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance, where smoking is prohibited, what signage and lease language are required, and download BPOA's ordinance-compliant smoke-free signs. Continue Reading
Raising rent on a rent-controlled unit? This guide shows you how to use Berkeley’s AGA notice correctly—covering eligibility, timing, rent ceiling calculations, and notice rules to help you avoid common errors. Continue Reading
Registration fees are due Thursday, July 2, 2026. Miss the deadline, and the penalty doubles your cost. This guide covers who must register, what you owe, and how to avoid common mistakes. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s FY 2026–2027 registration fees are $397 (fully covered) and $244 (partially covered) per unit. Payments are due July 1, 2026. A 100% late payment penalty applies starting July 2 and increases by 100% again on January 1, 2027. Continue Reading
Illegal dumping on sidewalks and streets can trigger citations, even if you didn’t cause it. In Berkeley, property owners are responsible for removing debris adjacent to their property, regardless of who left it there. Continue Reading
Leaving items on the sidewalk is illegal in Berkeley and can lead to fines. This guide explains proper disposal and how residents and owners can prevent illegal dumping. Continue Reading
Each spring, Berkeley sees a surge in student move-outs—and with it, illegal dumping, fines, and overflowing trash areas. This guide helps owners and residents plan ahead and properly handle everything from furniture to food waste. Continue Reading
