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.
Berkeley's Rental Housing Safety Program team, Angel Sindayen, Sloan Fiddler, and Andre Kidd, break down the inspection process, including the difference between proactive and complaint-based inspections, explain the RHSP Self-Certification Checklist (SCC), how annual fees are determined, and more! Continue Reading
RHSP compliance requires more than an inspection: owners must complete the SCC each year, keep it on file, provide tenant copies, and pay the annual City fee. This guide explains what Berkeley housing providers must do by July 1. Continue Reading
Holiday tree disposal mistakes can trigger Zero Waste fines. Here’s what Berkeley rental housing providers need to know. Continue Reading
Learn how Berkeley’s Home Hardening Rebate can reduce your transfer tax when you sell a duplex or small multi-unit property. Find out which upgrades qualify, what documentation you need, and how to plan improvements within the required timeline. Continue Reading
Recycling isn’t “one blue cart fits all.” Berkeley’s standardized carts require paper and containers to be separated, and mixing everything into one side can trigger contamination and enforcement issues. Continue Reading
The Rent Board has never undergone an audit in its 45-year history. Fees are rising, services are declining, and accountability is overdue. Join us in urging the City Auditor to follow through—send your message today. Continue Reading
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program has recently been expanded! Learn about the funding options for Berkeley rental housing owners. Continue Reading
Many owners consider pausing after they place a tenant. The risk is that forms, deadlines, and rent rules keep changing mid-lease. This overview explains why staying connected year-round prevents costly mistakes and ensures compliance in Berkeley. Continue Reading
The Rent Board uses a set formula to calculate the Annual General Adjustment. Learn how it works and what it means for the 2026 increase (0.97%). Continue Reading
Berkeley’s composting and recycling rules apply to all rentals, but containers vary by property type. Learn what goes where, how to avoid contamination notices, and where to get free tenant handouts and bin posters in BPOA’s Rental Housing Forms Library. Continue Reading
Confused by the Rent Board’s rent ceiling notice? Learn how to verify your unit’s lawful rent ceiling, fix common errors, and calculate adjustments using the AGA chart, especially before tenant notices go out in November. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s Empty Homes Tax now applies to any unit left vacant for more than 182 days, not just rentals. Even if your unit is listed for rent or inherited through probate, you may owe thousands in annual penalties. Learn who’s affected, what counts as “vacant,” and how to avoid the tax. Continue Reading
