Most of the 29,000 rental units in the City of Berkeley are covered by some portion of the Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance (the Rent Ordinance). There are over 20,000 rental units in Berkeley with regulated rents. Since January of 1999, landlords have had the right to set the initial rent for new tenancies, and subsequent rent increases in units fully covered by the Rent…
Full Coverage
- Your rent is controlled and your rent ceiling can only be raised by an Annual General Adjustment (AGA).
- The landlord must have one of the "just causes" to evict stated in the Rent Ordinance to lawfully terminate your tenancy.
- You have a right to interest on your security deposit.
- Most multi-unit properties in Berkeley that were built…
Tenant screening and application fee limitsLandlords can charge prospective tenants a screening or application fee, but there are limits to how much. Prospective tenants should receive a copy of their credit report if the landlord obtained one, a receipt showing the cost of the screening, and a refund of any unused portion of the fee. For more information, including the current screening fee…
RENT STABILIZATION BOARD Regular Meeting Thursday, February 17, 2022 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC ADVISORY: THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH VIDEOCONFERENCE AND TELECONFERENCE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e)(3), City Council Resolution 70,030-N.S., and City of Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board (Rent Board) Resolution 21-29,…
Security deposit payments
- Starting July 1, 2024, many landlords may only charge one month's rent for unfurnished and furnished units
- Starting July 1, 2024, landlords who own only two rental properties with no more than four residential units total can charge up to two months' rent for furnished and unfurnished units if ownership is held by a natural…
RENT STABILIZATION BOARD Regular Meeting Thursday, March 17, 2022 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC ADVISORY: THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH VIDEOCONFERENCE AND TELECONFERENCE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e)(3), City Council Resolution 70,030-N.S., and City of Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board (Rent Board) Resolution 21-29, this…
We strongly urge landlords and tenants to get legal advice before filing an eviction action or contesting an eviction attempt. Rent Board housing counselors can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, but are prohibited from providing legal advice regarding eviction proceedings.Eviction noticeThe property owner must first give the tenant a written notice. There are…