This section gathers all articles related to Berkeley’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Topics include coverage categories (fully covered, partially covered, exempt), exemptions like Golden Duplex and SFR + ADU, registration and fee obligations, lawful rent increases, and rules for buyouts and relocation assistance.
Buying a Berkeley rental property with tenants already in place? Learn what to review before closing, including tenancy records, Rent Board files, security deposits, rental agreements, property status, required notices, and other obligations you may inherit. Continue Reading
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
Understand Berkeley’s utility billing rules for fully-covered units, including shared meters, RUBS, individually metered utilities, and how the rules differ based on when the tenancy began. Continue Reading
Berkeley’s just-cause rules can be complicated—especially when a tenant has a fixed-term lease. Learn how coverage, at-fault and no-fault evictions, lease terms, and state law work together before you serve a termination notice. 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
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
What should you do when one lessee moves out but another wants to stay? Learn how joint and several liability, replacement roommates, Change of Occupancy Addenda, and rent-control status affect how you should handle changes to a tenancy. Continue Reading
Understanding repair disruptions, rent credits, Rent Board petitions, and Berkeley’s Relocation Ordinance Continue Reading
Holding title in a revocable living trust does not automatically affect your eligibility for a Berkeley owner-occupancy exemption. However, owners claiming an exemption through a revocable living trust must submit additional documentation to establish their eligibility. Continue Reading
Not every additional occupant supports a rent increase. Learn when Berkeley landlords may petition for a 10% upward adjustment of the lawful rent ceiling, which family members are exempt, and why occupancy changes matter. 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
From notice to deposit return, each step matters. Send required documents early, conduct inspections properly, document conditions, and return the deposit within 21 days of move-out. Includes Berkeley-specific requirements like deposit interest. Continue Reading
