Be Prepared as Heavy Storms Hit Berkeley!

As heavy storms hit Berkeley, flooding and water intrusion can create a mess for tenants and landlords alike. The Rent Board encourages tenants and landlords to communicate and identify areas of concern at the property or unit and work together to take preventative measures to avoid water intrusion. If water does enter a rental unit, direct communication from tenants and prompt responses from landlords is the best way to reduce further damage and impacts. 

Resources for Berkeley Landlords and Tenants: 

• Storm preparedness tips to avoid water intrusion into properties

• The City of Berkeley Public Works Department
  • Issuing sandbags at the Corp Yard at 1326 Allston Way while supplies last.
  • Contact the city to report blocked storm drains at (510) 981-2489.  You can find more information on the City’s Storm Water webpage.

•  Housing Code Enforcement Department 
  • Please note that city inspections can have a two to three week timeline and it is always encouraged to work with a landlord directly on creating a reasonable timeline for addressing habitability issues within a rental unit. 
  • Berkeley Housing Code Enforcement Inspections for Tenants
  • Berkeley Housing Code Enforcement Inspections for Landlords  

•  Relocation Ordinance 
  • If water intrusion into a unit is severe and renders the unit uninhabitable, a landlord may need to consider temporarily relocating tenants to restore habitability to the unit.
  • City of Berkeley Relocation Program

• If storms create conditions that endangers safety, such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or trap inhabitants within their unit or vehicle please call 911. 

• Sign up for Emergency alerts for Berkeley residents