Tenant Eligibility for Pass-Through Reimbursement

Pass-Through explanation

The Rent Stabilization Board authorized landlords to pass through a portion of the current 2023-24 registration fee for tenancies that began before January 1, 1999. Landlords may pass through up to $13.00 per month for 12 consecutive months after they pay their 2023-24 registration fee and give their tenants and the Rent Board at least 30 days’ written notice of the increase. Unless the Rent Board receives a copy of the pass-through rent increase notice, the notice is invalid and the increase is not allowed.

Tenant reimbursement eligibility requirements

Tenants who receive a pass-through rent increase may be eligible for reimbursement from the Rent Board. To qualify for the reimbursement, tenants must provide proof of income eligibility for the household (that is, everyone who resides in the unit) and must receive approval from our office. The table below outlines the current annual income eligibility standards. 

Verification process for reimbursement

To begin the verification process, you should contact Staff Attorney Hannah Kim at the Berkeley Rent Board at (510) 981-4937, or by email at HKim@berkeleyca.gov. The information you provide is strictly confidential and your landlord will not see it. Please keep in mind that each household can claim only one reimbursement, so the first member to claim the reimbursement will receive it. Tenants will need the following information/documents to receive the reimbursement: 

• Notice of rent increase from landlord
• Proof of identity (such as government-issued identification card)
• Proof of income (such as current benefit statement or prior year's tax return)
• Proof of residency at address (such as utility bill or ID card with name and address)