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Berkeley Rent Board
@berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
46 followers 3 following 57 posts
Implementing Berkeley’s Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Just Cause Ordinance since 1980. Follow along to stay informed about your ⚖️ rights, 📜 responsibilities, and 📚 resources as Berkeley tenants and landlords!
bit.ly/m/BerkeleyRentBoard
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berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Our quarterly newsletter, the Rent Board Review, is out today! Read and subscribe here: conta.cc/4qwpIN3?utm...
In this issue
⭐ A Message from our Executive Director
⭐ A Roundup of State and Local Housing News that Can Impact You
⭐ New and classic Rent Board Resources we want you to know about!
Graphic about Rent Board Fall 2025 Newsletter Out Today, with a call to action to sign up for the email list. An image of a megaphone and a computer with the email newsletter on the screen decorate this graphic.
October 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
New Tenants Rights Alert! California just adopted an addition to the habitability requirements for rental units. Can you guess what it is? Comment below if you got it right!

#TenantTuesadays #TuesdayTenantTrivia #BerkeleyCA #BerkeleyRentBoard
October 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Landlords, did you know you can avoid habitability issues and fines by inspecting your units annually by July 1 using the Rental Housing Safety Program's Self-Certification Checklist? Learn more at berkeleyca.gov/?utm_... and search "Rental Housing Safety Program!"

#LandlordTips #BerkeleyCA
Graphic about how to avoid fines and habitability issues as Berkeley landlords by completing the required annual Rental Housing Safety Program checklist.
October 16, 2025 at 8:05 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
A little birdie told me that the Berkeley Rent Board is here to serve both landlords and tenants! Help us spread the word about our free Housing Counseling, Mediation services, and Over-the-Phone Interpretation for Berkeley tenants and landlords!

#BerkeleyMarina #Overheard #ALittleBirdToldMe
October 15, 2025 at 3:46 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
When life gives you rain... learn about your Habitability Rights as Berkeley tenants! If your home leaks, contact your landlord or property manager ASAP to request repairs in writing. Do not attempt to fix it yourself and contact us if the issue does not get resolved!

#TenantTuesadays
October 14, 2025 at 9:12 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Landlords, need to make repairs in one of your occupied units? Keep it simple—just remember to think through PRINT - Permits, Relocation, Immediacy, Noise, Twenty-four hours.

Visit our website for more information on how to stay compliant with confidence!
Graphic titled “Your Weekly Berkeley Landlord Briefing" includes a photo of a man painting a window shutter and the title, "Repairs in Tenant Occupied Units," below. This graphic tells landlords to remember the acronym PRINT (permits, relocation, immediacy, noise ordinance, twenty-four hours notice) when making repairs in occupied units.
October 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Doe-n't wait, schedule an appointment with a Housing Counselor today! ☺️ bit.ly/BRBHCAppts?ut...

#TildenPark #Overheard
October 8, 2025 at 3:30 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
This week for #TuesdayTenantTrivia we're talking about habitability! As California tenants, you are entitled to hot and cold running water, heat, electricity, garbage containers, safe stairways, and more. Visit our Habitability webpage to see a full list of your rights: rentboard.berkeleyca...
October 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
This week for #TuesdayTenantTrivia we're talking about habitability! As California tenants, you are entitled to hot and cold running water, heat, electricity, garbage containers, safe stairways, and more. Visit our Habitability webpage to see a full list of your rights: rentboard.berkeleyca...
October 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
We think it's nutty more people don't know about our free mediation services for Berkeley tenants and landlords! Book an appointment with our Housing Counselors and ask about mediation! #Overheard @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social
October 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Drop by our table at Berkeley's annual free Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 18! In between the amazing live music, kids' activities, food contests, and seed swap, be sure to come say hello and learn about the resources available to you as Berkeley tenants and landlords! bit.ly/EventsBRB?utm...
Berkeley Rent Board staff speak with a family at a tabling event.
October 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Did you know in 2023 state law changed the amount you can charge as a security deposit? Sign up for our email lists to stay informed about your rights and responsibilities as Berkeley landlords: bit.ly/RSBmailinglis...
Graphic explains how much landlords can charge for a security deposit in Berkeley - one month's rent for most landlords, two months for small property landlords.
October 2, 2025 at 10:04 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Eyeing that retro fridge on Facebook Marketplace? Thinking about retiling the bathroom? Be sure to get written permission from your landlord before making any modifications to your rental unit, even ones that would increase the value! #KnowYourRights and follow for #TuesdayTenantTrivia!
September 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Tenant Associations can now bring Individual Rent Adjustment Petitions for property-wide defects on behalf of all tenants. Tenant employees and owner occupied units no longer count towards the required threshold to establish a Tenant Association. Read full article here: rentboard.berkeleyca...
Graphic displaying the Berkeley Rent Board's latest news headline and key message
September 29, 2025 at 9:01 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Landlords, did you know that charging tenant screening fees in Berkeley comes with certain obligations? Explore our website (listed in our profile) to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as Berkeley landlords!

#BerkeleyRentBoard #EastBayRealEstate #TenantScreening
Graphic titled “Berkeley Landlord Briefing.” A yellow pushpin holds a white paper note against an orange background. The note says: “Reminder: The maximum tenant screening fee in 2025 is $66.92. Charging a tenant screening fee comes with obligations including receipts, a refund for any unused portion, and a Tenant Screening Fee Rights Statement.” The handle @BerkeleyRentBoard is at the bottom.
September 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
It's Tuesday Tenant Trivia! Did you know that you have a right to the interest that accumulates on your security deposit? Landlords are required to pay this annually either by cash or rent rebate by January 31!

Invite your friends to follow @BerkeleyRentBoard to stay informed and empowered!
September 23, 2025 at 4:51 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Berkeley landlords, it's your weekly briefing! Wondering when you need to update your Rent Registry account? Swipe through to learn when you need and don't need to be updating your unit information!
Graphic titled “Berkeley Landlord Briefing.” Text reads: ” Fully and Partially Covered Units - Update your Rent Registry Account within 15 days of a new tenancy (a complete turnover in tenants). Partially Covered Units only - Update your Rent Registry Account with changes to rent amount and number of occupants (can do when Registration fees are due or anytime throughout the year). Landlords Take Note! You do not need to update the Rent Registry with vacancies unless you are taking the unit off the market." The handle @BerkeleyRentBoard is at the bottom.
September 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Visit our table at Berkeley Unified School District's Black to School event to learn about the resources available to you as Berkeley tenants and landlords! This event is for K-12 students and families to learn about district and school supports, play games, and receive school supply giveaways!
This graphic shows a smiling mother and two children looking down at the camera next to the text, "Visit the Berkeley Rent Board’s table at BUSD’s Black to school event! Talk to a Housing Counselor! Learn about Your Rights & Resources! Play Games and Win Giveaways! Saturday, September 20, 11:00 - 1:00 pm, Willard Middle School." Colorful school supplies provide a border at the bottom with the tag @BerkeleyRentBoard in the bottom left corner.
September 17, 2025 at 11:05 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
It's Tuesday and time to test your knowledge of Berkeley's "Just Causes" for evictions! If your unit is fully or partially covered by the Rent Ordinance, you have eviction protections and can only be evicted for one of several specific "Just Causes" or through the Ellis Act. #KnowYourRights
September 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Along with federal and state requirements, Berkeley has its own list of specific inclusions required in all rental agreements. Landlords be sure to save this post and check in every Thursday for your weekly Berkeley Landlord Briefing!
Graphic titled “Berkeley Landlord Briefing.” Text reads: “Preparing a new lease? Be sure to include these Berkeley-specific lease requirements:” followed by a list: “Fair Chance Ordinance Notice to Rental Applicants and Tenants, Notice of Tenant Protection Ordinance, Smoking Prohibition Clause, Information About Bed Bugs.” Orange star icons highlight each item. @BerkeleyRentBoard is at the bottom.
September 11, 2025 at 4:37 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Are you a new Berkeley landlord? Join us at 10:00 AM on the third Wednesday of every month at the Berkeley Rent Board offices to learn how to stay compliant with confidence! bit.ly/EventsBRB?utm...
Flyer for the "Landlord Workshop: Welcome Orientation" hosted by the City of Berkeley Rent Board. The flyer announces an in-person event on Wednesday, September 17 from 10:00–11:00 am at the Berkeley Rent Board (2000 Center St, #400). It invites new Berkeley landlords to attend and learn about Rent Control 101, Registration Requirements, and Rent Board Services & Resources. The flyer features a friendly group photo of four diverse people conversing and holding notebooks and phones. The design uses soft blue and black text with icons for time and location.
September 10, 2025 at 11:34 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
It's Tuesday Tenant Trivia! Did you know Berkeley banned smoking in all multi-unit rental properties in 2014?

Follow @berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social to stay informed and share our housing facts and tips with your neighbors!
September 9, 2025 at 4:01 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Confused about where to go for housing issues in Berkeley? You’re not alone! Different city departments handle different parts of the housing puzzle. Read through to see which office to contact for what and be sure to share this guide with neighbors, tenants, and landlords who might need it.
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A young woman stands in front of a chalkboard, gesturing with her hand toward bold text on the board. The text reads: “WHO DOES WHAT IN BERKELEY HOUSING. Not sure who to go to for housing questions? Here’s a quick guide!” The bottom corner shows the handle @BerkeleyRentBoard.
September 8, 2025 at 8:58 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
Berkeley landlords, did you know you can set initial rent to market rate between tenancies? Check in every Thursday for landlord compliance tips, seasonal reminders, and resources. Need guidance on your specific property? Contact a Housing Counselor at bit.ly/HousingAppts
"Berkeley Landlord Briefing:" is in the left top corner of a graphic of a post-it note with a red pin through the top. The text on the post-it note reads, "Remember! For landlords of rent-controlled units: Base rent can be set to market rate between qualifying tenancies. After move-in, increases are limited by the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) and other Rent Board regulations.
September 4, 2025 at 11:35 PM
berkeleyrentboard.bsky.social
#KnowYourRights! Berkeley's Fair Chance Ordinance prohibits landlords from asking prospective tenants about their criminal status or using it in their decision-making process. Follow @berkeleyrentboard on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky, for Tenant Trivia every Tuesday!
September 2, 2025 at 9:38 PM