On April 14, 2020, Berkeley City Council passed the Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance (BMC 13.106). An overview of the ordinance is available below. Please review the Ordinance for more specific details related to your property or tenancy.It is unlawful to do any of the following with regard to current or prospective tenants

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• The elected Rent Board has formed and maintains a number of committees with specific subject matter focus. Most committees meet monthly with ad hoc committees meeting on an as-needed basis. For information on each committee’s scope, membership and to view past agenda materials, please visit the committee’s…

Fully covered residential rental units have a “lawful rent ceiling” The lawful rent ceiling is the maximum amount of rent that a landlord can charge for the use or occupancy of the unit. When a new tenancy begins, the initial rent (also called base rent), establishes the lawful rent ceiling. The base rent includes all housing services provided when that rent was established.   The…

If you are a tenant and have concerns or issues with the fire safety of your building or unit, visit the City’s Fire Prevention page to:

• File a complaint or request a fire safety inspection. You may make an anonymous complaint if you do not wish to identify…

A tenant can file a petition to request a decrease to the maximum amount of rent that can be charged for a unit that is fully covered by Berkeley’s Rent Ordinance. Tenants can also ask for a refund of rent that was overcharged, or payment of overdue security deposit interest…

A landlord can file a petition to request an increase (or in rarer cases, a decrease) to the maximum amount of rent that can be charged for a unit that is fully covered by Berkeley’s Rent Ordinance. A  housing counselor can help you learn about the benefits and…

Give at least 30 days’ written notice of move-out

• A landlord does not have to return a security deposit, or any part of it, until all original tenants have permanently moved out. The last original tenant to leave must give at least 30 days' written notice that they will be leaving.
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Housing counselors can help you understand the rights and responsibilities outlined on this page, but cannot provide legal advice. In addition, Rent Board staff cannot provide technical assistance regarding forming and maintaining tenant associations.Properties Subject to the Tenant Right to OrganizeThe right to organize applies to tenants who live in properties that:

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OverviewFor units fully covered by the Rent Ordinance, all housing services included in the base rent ceiling are considered regulated housing services and shall continue to be provided to tenants in the manner in which they were previously…

RENT STABILIZATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM – 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702TELECONFERENCE LOCATION – 2010 FIFTH STREET, UNIT 260, BERKELEY, CA 94710 Public participationThis meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person and remote participation, and in accordance with Government Code Section 54953…