Starting/Ending A Tenancy

Everything you need to know about welcoming new tenants and wrapping up tenancies—legally, clearly, and efficiently. Includes required notices, inspections, possession, and documentation.

Free Resources

New Form: AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure -Only for units fully-exempt from the RSO
New Form: AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure -Only for units fully-exempt from the RSO

New form for fully exempt units: Even though it’s not required, the AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure can help document your unit’s exempt status and protect against future changes in the law. Use with care. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted08/5/2025


"They're Gone, But Their Stuff Isn't": How to Handle Abandoned Tenant Property Under California Law
"They're Gone, But Their Stuff Isn't": How to Handle Abandoned Tenant Property Under California Law

When tenants leave stuff behind, you can't just toss it. California law outlines strict steps for handling abandoned property. Miss one, and you could be on the hook. This guide explains what to do, when to do it, and how to stay protected. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/21/2025


AB 2801 Compliance: Move-In and Move-Out Photo Requirements for California Landlords
AB 2801 Compliance: Move-In and Move-Out Photo Requirements for California Landlords

AB 2801, which modified CA's security deposit law, is now fully in effect. Landlords must take move-in photos for all new tenancies and include move-out photos and "after repair" photo documentation with any deposit deductions. This guide explains what to photograph and how to stay compliant. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted07/1/2025


When Tenants Break the Lease: What Housing Providers Can (and Can't) Do
When Tenants Break the Lease: What Housing Providers Can (and Can't) Do

If a tenant breaks their lease, you can recover losses—but only if you act reasonably. Learn what the law allows, what it prohibits, and which BPOA forms to use. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted06/1/2025


You Can’t Just Ask Them to Leave: An Owner's Guide to Taking Possession of a Rented Unit
You Can’t Just Ask Them to Leave: An Owner's Guide to Taking Possession of a Rented Unit

Planning to move into your Berkeley rental? There are only a handful of legal ways to regain possession from a tenant, and each comes with strict rules. Before you act, read our guide to avoid costly mistakes. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted06/1/2025


When Tenants Give Notice: What Counts as Legal Notice to Vacate?
When Tenants Give Notice: What Counts as Legal Notice to Vacate?

This article explains what qualifies as legal notice to vacate, when email might count, and how landlords can respond if tenants attempt to give notice outside the lease’s required format. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/30/2025


Wear and Tear vs. Damage: What Landlords Can Deduct from the Security Deposit
Wear and Tear vs. Damage: What Landlords Can Deduct from the Security Deposit

Cleaning deductions must be reasonable. Landlords may charge if the unit was returned excessively dirty—but not just because it isn’t professionally cleaned. This section explains when cleaning charges are justified and how to document them properly. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/29/2025


Pre-Move-Out Inspections & Photo Documentation — Protecting Your Right to Deductions
Pre-Move-Out Inspections & Photo Documentation — Protecting Your Right to Deductions

Pre-move-out inspections are not just a formality—they’re the first step in protecting your right to lawful deductions. Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/21/2025


Storage PODs in Berkeley: What Housing Providers Need to Know
Storage PODs in Berkeley: What Housing Providers Need to Know

Has your incoming or outgoing tenant asked about parking a storage POD on your property or on the city street? This article covers the basics! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/20/2025


Your Tenants Have Given Notice to Vacate — Now What?
Your Tenants Have Given Notice to Vacate — Now What?

A step-by-step guide for Berkeley rental housing providers Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/20/2025


Your New Tenant Is Official—Now What? A Step-by-Step Move-In Guide
Your New Tenant Is Official—Now What? A Step-by-Step Move-In Guide

Signed lease in hand? Don’t hand over the keys just yet. Here’s what every landlord should do between lease signing and move-in day to ensure a smooth start and avoid costly mistakes! Continue Reading

Postedby BPOA Master
Date posted05/20/2025


First Impressions Matter: Best Practices for Documenting Move-Ins
First Impressions Matter: Best Practices for Documenting Move-Ins

Properly documenting the condition of a unit at the start of a tenancy. Continue Reading

Postedby Tiffany Van Buren
Date posted05/13/2025