City- and State-Compliant Documents for Berkeley Rental Housing Providers
Forms for Tenancy, Compliance & Property Oversight
Forms for Tenancy, Compliance & Property Oversight
Guidance Documents
Unsure how to fill out or customize our leasing forms? Don't have established screening criteria? These guides are here to help — no legalese, just practical instructions and local compliance tips.
Document Name |
What It's For |
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Berkeley Lease Package Guidance: |
Step-by-step instructions for using our lease documents, including Berkeley-specific addenda and disclosures. |
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Berkeley Screening Criteria Guidance: |
A guide to creating legally compliant rental criteria and conducting fair tenant screening in Berkeley |
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Suggested Tenant Screening Criteria |
Provides a sample set of objective screening standards for evaluating prospective tenants, including income, credit, rental history, and more. Designed to help housing providers apply consistent, fair, and legally compliant criteria. |
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Suggested Guarantor Screening Criteria |
Offers recommended guidelines for evaluating a lease guarantor or co-signer, with criteria focused on financial strength and creditworthiness. Useful when applicants require additional support to qualify. |
Rental Applications
Form Name |
Description |
Guidance |
Download |
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| Intellirent Online Application |
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Intellirent Landing Page | |||
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BPOA Rental Application Subject to Fair Chance |
Paper version of our rental application for properties subject to Berkeley’s Fair Chance Housing Ordinance. |
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▼ Download | ||
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BPOA Rental Application Exempt from Fair Chance |
Paper version for use only with properties exempt from Fair Chance, such as certain owner-occupied properties (Duplex, Triplex, Golden Duplex, or sharing a kitchen/bathroom) |
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▼ Download | ||
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Guarantor Rental Application |
For a financial guarantor not named on the lease. Unnecessary if the person is listed as a co-tenant. |
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▼Download | ||
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Pet Rental Application |
Use this form to gather details about a tenant’s household pet. Not appropriate for ESAs or service animals. |
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▼Download |
Fair Chance Housing Ordinance: Info & Notices
Berkeley’s Fair Chance Housing Ordinance (FCHO) prohibits most rental housing providers from asking about or considering criminal history
when screening tenants. The goal is to reduce housing barriers for people with prior convictions.
Document Name |
Use |
Applies To |
Notes |
|
FCHO FAQ |
Explains the law |
All Berkeley rental housing providers except owner-occupied two to three-unit properties (SFR + ADU, Duplex, Triplex) and owner-occupied single-family homes sharing a kitchen or a bathroom with their renter. |
Includes examples of prohibited screening practices and FAQs |
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FCHO Notice to Applicants (English): |
Required notice in English for applicants of most rental properties in Berkeley |
All Berkeley rental properties except owner-occupied two to three-unit properties (SFR + ADU, Duplex, Triplex) and owner-occupied single-family homes sharing a kitchen or a bathroom with their renter. |
Must be provided with application materials |
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FCHO Notice to Applicants (Spanish): |
Same required notice in Spanish |
Same as above |
Use when marketing in Spanish or if an applicant requests it |
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FCHO Notice to Applicants (Chinese): |
Same required notice in Chinese |
Same as above |
Use when marketing in Chinese or if an applicant requests it |
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FCHO Multi-language Notice (Eng/Sp/Chi): |
All three versions in one document |
Same as above |
Ideal for websites, office postings, or print packets |
Forms Used During the Application Process
| Receipt for Application & Screening Fee: ▼Download | Notice of Adverse Action to Rental Application: ▼Download |
Rental Agreements
Use these forms to create compliant rental agreements. Need help? Click the “Guidance” links for tips and explanations.
Document Name |
Description |
Guidance |
Download |
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2025 Recommended Residential Lease Agreement: |
A customizable lease suitable for all Berkeley rental types, including exempt, partially covered, and fully covered units. |
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Guarantor Agreement
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Use this form only when someone (e.g., a parent or financial sponsor) will be financially responsible but not listed on the lease as a tenant. |
read me |
Separate Agreements
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Animal Agreement: (for pets, ESAs, and service animals)
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Separate Agreement for |
Addenda & Disclosures
Addenda and disclosures are documents that supplement the lease by clarifying terms, disclosing required information, or addressing specific property conditions or policies. Refer to the Lease Package Guidance to identify the required city and state disclosures and to explore optional addenda tailored to your rental situation.
One-Click Access to All Our Addenda and Disclosures
| File | Description | Download Link | |
| 📁 BPOA Addenda & Disclosures (ZIP) |
|
Download |
All Lease Addenda and Disclosures (A–Z)
A-G |
H-M |
N-Pe |
Po-Z |
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AB 1482 Exemption Disclosure (Use ONLY for Golden Duplexes or other FULLY EXEMPT units) |
House Rules & Regulations: |
No Smoking Addendum: |
Political Sign Addendum: |
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Asbestos Disclosure: (Buildings constructed before 1981) |
Information for Service of Process, Notices, and Demands: |
T️enant Notice of Intent to Not Renew or Extend the Lease (Automatic Renewal): |
Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home: (Attach with Lead-Based Paint Disclosure) |
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Note: This agreement can be used at the start of a lease or anytime during the tenancy |
Information for Payment of Rent |
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️ Bedbug Disclosure: |
Insurance Addendum: |
Notice of Tenant Rights for Fully Covered Units: OR ↓ |
Renter Election of Positive Rental Payment Reporting Addendum: (Election to Report or Not Report) |
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Berkeley Anti-Smoking Ordinance Brochure: (Attach with No Smoking Addendum) |
Laundry Unit Addendum: ⭐▼Download |
Notice of Tenant Rights for Partially Covered Units: |
Smoke Detection Device Disclosure: |
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California Proposition 65 |
️ Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: 🏛️✳️️▼Download No disclosure is required if:
💡 Not sure when your property was built? Check permit history or your county assessor’s records to verify. |
Offer to Report Positive Rental Payment Information: (Use with Renter Election of Positive Rental Payment Reporting Addendum) |
Spare the Air Addendum: |
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Carbon Monoxide Detection Device Disclosure: |
Megan’s Law Database Disclosure: 🏛️▼Download |
Open Flame Cooking Device Addendum: |
Storage Agreement: ⭐ See Separate Agreements |
| Crime-Free Lease Disclosure: ⭐▼Download | Micro-Mobility Device Addendum: ✳️💡 ▼Download |
Parking Agreement: ⭐See Separate Agreements |
🐻Tenant Protection Ordinance Disclosure: |
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CDPH Mold Prevention Booklet: (attach with Mold Disclosure) |
Mold Disclosure: 🏛️ ▼Download |
Pest Control Addendum: |
Third Party Acceptance of Rent Agreement: |
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Fireplace & Open Flame Addendum: |
Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report: |
Pet Addendum: |
Zero Waste Program 💡 (see section below) |
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Furniture Inventory and Agreement ⭐ ▼Download |
Move-Out Instructions & Security Deposit Return Information: |
LEGEND: 🏛️ - Required by California 🐻 - Required by Berkeley ✳️ - Conditional Requirements ⭐- Discretionary/Optional 💡 - Recommended/Best Practice ℹ️ - Click for Information |
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Berkeley's Zero Waste Program
What Goes Where: Compost, Recycling, and Landfill Rules. Tools to help you and your tenants meet Zero Waste requirements.
Document |
Description |
Download Link |
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Residents of 1-9 Unit Buildings: Zero Waste Guide |
Outlines sorting rules, compost/recycling requirements, and services (e.g., bulky pickup) for small residential properties | |
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Residents of 10+ Unit Buildings: Zero Waste Guide |
Details proper waste sorting, tenant education, and available services for residents of large multifamily properties | |
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Property Managers & Owners of 10+ Units: Zero Waste Overview |
Provides service requirements, education mandates, signage guidance, and compliance tips for managing waste for larger buildings | |
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Berkeley Zero Waste Poster Set – Paper, Containers, Landfill & Compost |
A printable set of Berkeley Zero Waste sorting posters for residential recycling, compost, and landfill disposal. Includes guidance in multiple languages. | |
Move-Ins and Start-of-Tenancy
For use after the lease is signed but before or at the time the tenant takes possession. These tools help you document the unit’s condition and meet best practices for a legally sound move-in.
Name |
Type |
Purpose/Notes |
Link |
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document | Document the unit's condition at move-in | download | ||
| Photo Documentation Checklist | document | A checklist for taking photos (AB 2801 compliance) | download | ||
| Your New Tenant is Official - Now What? A Step-by-Step Move-In Guide | Article | Post-lease-signing guidance for move-in prep | read me | ||
Lease Modification Notices & Addenda
Rent Increase Notices |
Changes in Occupancy |
Lease Extensions |
Change Other Than Lease Term or Rent |
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30/90-Day Notice of Rent Increase per AGA Order (2025): ℹ️ ▼Download (For rent-controlled units) |
Change of Occupancy Addendum: (aka Add/Remove Tenant to Lease) |
Addendum to Extend or Renew Lease Agreement (For fully-covered units) |
See the Separate Agreements section to create an agreement for parking, storage, or other items/services. |
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30/90-Day Notice of Change in Terms: (For non-rent-controlled units) |
Costa-Hawkins Addendum ℹ️ ▼Download (For fully covered units) |
Addendum to Extend or Renew Lease Agreement (For partially covered & exempt units) |
Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy (For exempt units) |
Forms to Use During a Tenancy
Required Notices |
Right of Entry/Inspections |
City Compliance |
General Use |
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🐻 Notice of Annual Security Deposit Interest Payment: |
🏛️Notice of Intent to Enter Premises (California Civil Code 1954): |
← For notice of the RHSP inspection, use Notice of Intent to Enter. |
Proof of Service: |
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✳️ Notice to Offer to Report Positive Rental Payment Information: (Use with companion document: Renter Election of Positive Payment Information) |
🐻Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP) Inspection Checklist: |
✳️ Renter Election of Reporting Positive Rental Payment Information: |
Move-Outs & End-of-Tenancy Forms
Intent to Vacate & Inspections |
Move-Out Guidance |
Deposit Accounting |
Abandoned Property |
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Acknowledgment of Residents Notice to Vacate: |
Suggested Move-Out Instructions & Security Deposit Return Information: |
Security Deposit Accounting Statement: |
Notice of Right to Reclaim Abandoned Personal Property: |
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Notice of Residents' Right to Request Initial Inspection: |
Photo Documentation Checklist: |
Notice of Belief of Abandonment of Real Property: |
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Pre(liminary) Inspection Report: (required to be left with the tenant if present for inspection or left in the unit if not present) |
Wear and Tear vs Damages: What Landlords Can Deduct from the Security Deposit |
Notice to Terminate Tenancy |
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Your Tenants Have Given Notice to Vacate: Now What?
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30/60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy Just Cause–exempt units only. Request a copy from our office. |
Early Lease Termination
Mutual Agreements |
Proposed (Coming Soon!) |
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Premature Lease Termination Agreement: |
Premature Lease Termination Settlement Agreement |
Problem Resolution & Legal Notices
This section contains notices and documents that may be used to address lease violations, resolve disputes, issue formal notice of rent in arrears, or begin the eviction process, such as serving a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit.
To learn when you can serve a notice to quit under Just Cause rules, click here.
Nonpayment of Rent |
Nonpayment of Rent |
Warning/Behavior Notices |
Documenting Problems |
|
3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit |
Late Rent Notice for Partial Payment |
7-Day Notice to Cease and Desist |
Incident Report |
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Late Rent Notice |
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Breach of Lease Terms |
Notice to Terminate Tenancy |
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30-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (CARES Act) |
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3-Day Notice to Perform Covenants or Conditions |
30/60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy Just Cause–exempt units only. Provided upon request. |
Required Berkeley Rent Registration Forms
Form Name |
Use |
Applies To |
Notes |
|
Vacancy Registration Form for Fully Covered Unit |
Registers a new tenancy (lease date starting after January 1, 1999) or when all original tenants have vacated | Fully Covered Units | Must be filed within 15 days after the start of a completely new tenancy or after the last original occupants have departed. |
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Tenancy Registration Form for Partially Covered Unit |
Registers a new tenancy | Partially Covered Units | Must be filed within 15 days of the tenancy start date. |
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Initial Registration Statement (IRS) for Fully Covered Units |
First-time registration of a fully covered unit; use with the Vacancy Registration Form | Fully Covered Units | Annual registration and fee due by July 1st each year. If transitioning from exempt to covered status, must register within 60 days of the status change and pay a prorated fee. |
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Initial Registration Statement for Partially Covered Units |
First-time registration of a partially covered unit; Use with the Tenancy Registration Form | Partially Covered Units | Annual registration and fee due by July 1st each year. If transitioning from exempt to covered status, must register within 60 days of the status change and pay a prorated fee. |
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Amended Registration Statement |
Report changes to ownership, management, mailing address, or unit status |
Fully covered, Partially Covered, and Exempt Units (if previously registered) |
Submit within 60 days of any change to avoid penalties. Do not use this form for first-time registrations -- use the Initial Registration Statement instead. A Vacancy Registration may also be required for new tenancies in formally exempt units. |
Other Important Forms & Information
Form or Document Name |
Use |
Issued By |
Notes |
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Berkeley Business License Application |
Apply for a business license to operate rental housing | City of Berkeley – Finance Dept. | Required once you own ≥3 units city‑wide. Initial application: $77 flat. Due within 30 days of purchase/inheritance. | ||
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Berkeley Business License Tax Worksheet |
reference | BPOA | Use as a reference to determine when a business license is required and which tax rate applies. | ||
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Berkeley Business License Renewal Form (2025) |
Renew an existing business license. | City of Berkeley – Finance Dept. | Fee varies depending on number of units and gross receipts. Tax Rate: 1.08% (3–4 units) or 2.88% (5+ units or 5+ total owned units). Due: Feb 28. Late penalties: 10% on March 1, 40% on April 1, 1% interest/month thereafter. | ||
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Request for Duplication of Berkeley Rent Board Records |
Request public records from the Rent Board | Berkeley Rent Board | Use to obtain registration, correspondence, or case data. | ||
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Berkeley Rental Housing Fee Schedule |
Lists all fees related to operating a rental property in Berkeley | Berkeley Property Owners Association |
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8 Tips to Success as a Berkeley Rental Housing Provider |
Educational overview for rental housing providers | Berkeley Property Owners Association | Includes compliance guidance and common pitfalls to avoid. | ||
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Berkeley Just Cause Reasons for Eviction |
Educational overview for rental housing providers | Berkeley Rent Board - Berkeley Rent Stabilization Ordinance | Berkeley's Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance (BMC 13.76.130) requires landlords to have one of the 10 specified "just causes" to evict a tenant. These protections apply to most rental units in Berkeley. | ||
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📝 Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP) Checklist |
Annual self-certification inspection to ensure compliance with safety standards | City of Berkeley – Building Department, Rental Housing Safety Program | Owners must inspect units by July 1 each year, provide a copy to tenants, and retain records. Failure to comply can result in fines. RHSP fee is due Oct 31; it is $60/unit or $30/room; penalties apply for non-payment. (As of January 1, 2025) |