Landlords and tenants can file a variety of petitions with the Rent Board. A petition starts a legal hearing process. After the petition is filed, the Rent Board will schedule a hearing where both sides can present their case with evidence. A hearing examiner will then issue a written decision on whether the claim(s) will be granted or not. Rent Board hearings are similar to, but less…

A landlord can file an IRA petition to request an increase 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 limitations of the petitions…

RENT STABILIZATION BOARDRegular MeetingThursday, DECEMBER 18, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.School District Board Room – 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 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 and all current state and local requirements allowing public participation in…

RENT STABILIZATION BOARDRegular MeetingThursday, January 15, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.School District Board Room – 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley, CAPublic participationThis meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person and remote participation, and in accordance with Government Code Section 54953 and all current state and local requirements allowing public participation…

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…

Our Rent Adjustment Petitions page has information on the petitions and hearings process. FILING RULES New filing rules go into effect on June 16, 2025The…

RENT STABILIZATION BOARDREGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM – 1231 ADDISON STREET BERKELEY, CA 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 and all current state and local requirements allowing public participation in…

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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REGISTRATION FORMSIf you’re unsure whether you need registration forms for fully covered or partially covered units, you may wish to review our Registration pages. Registration Forms for Fully Covered/Rent-Controlled Units…

RENT STABILIZATION BOARDRegular Meeting & public hearing Thursday, march 5, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.School District Board Room – 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702Teleconference Location – 2010 Fifth Street, Unit 260 Berkeley, CA 94710Public participationThis meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person and remote participation, and in accordance with…