Guide to Rent Control
Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program –
Rent Control & Eviction Protection
The Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program - Rent Control & Eviction Protection has been updated for 2016.
The link provided below is to a PDF copy of the published version. You may obtain a copy of the printed version of the Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program - Rent Control & Eviction Protection by calling the Rent Board offices at 510-981-7368.
Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program - Rent Control & Eviction Protection - 2016 Edition (PDF file)
The 2010 edition of the Guide to Rent Control is also avaliable in Spanish at www.cityofberkeley.info/rent/español
This guide is published to help landlords, tenants, property managers, realtors and prospective rental property owners understand how rent stabilization works in Berkeley. It explains the basic provisions of Berkeley's rent control law and how state law imposing vacancy decontrol fits into the local regulatory framework. The information in this guide is not intended to substitute for legal advice.
Generally, Berkeley's rent control law governs: rent levels; changes to existing rent levels based on changes in space, services, number of occupants, or a rental unit's condition; security deposit interest; and good causes to evict. The local law does not address many other aspects of landlord-tenant relationships, such as privacy rights and noise complaints. Check Other Sources for listings of organizations that help resolve these kinds of problems.
You may obtain a printed copy of the Guide to Rent Control by calling the Rent Stabilization Board offices at 510-981-7368 or by e-mailing Rent@cityofberkeley.info.
Guide to Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Program –
Rent Control & Eviction Protection
(2015 Edition)
Table of Contents
1. Overview
2. Registration
Requirement to Register
Exemptions
Consequences of Failing to Register
Berkeley Business License Required for Most Landlords
3. Rent levels
Calculating the lawful rent ceiling
Rent ceiling increases
Rent ceiling decreases
Hearings
Certification of rent ceilings
4. Subletting and replacing roommates
Subletting generally
Replacement tenants
Partial turnovers in tenancies -- when a vacancy increase may be imposed
5. Security deposits -- state and local law
State law regarding security deposits
Berkeley law regarding security deposits and interest on deposits
6. Evictions
Proceed with caution
Eviction checklist -- local requirements
Good cause required
The eviction process [PDF file]
Improper landlord actions
7. Other Laws Affecting Rental Properties
Appendices
Annual General Adjustments (AGA’s)
General calendar
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