Renting a home in Berkeley, California comes with certain regulations and requirements that both tenants and landlords must adhere to. One of these important obligations is the registration of rental units with the Berkeley Rent Board. The Rent Board has specific guidelines and fees for different types of rental units. In this blog post, we will explore the registration process and fees for partially-covered and fully-covered rental units in Berkeley.
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Fiscal Year 2023-24 Registration Deadline: It’s essential for landlords to be aware of the upcoming deadline for rent board registration fees. For the fiscal year 2023-24, these fees must be paid by Monday, July 3, 2023. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in penalties or other legal consequences. Make sure to mark your calendars and fulfill your responsibilities promptly.
Partially Covered Unit Registration (Measure MM): The Rent Ordinance in Berkeley provides certain protections to partially covered units. These units are not subject to rent control but fall under the jurisdiction of the good cause for eviction and security deposit interest sections of the ordinance. The following rental units must be registered:
- New construction units: Units with a certificate of occupancy issued after 1980.
- Most single-family homes: Single-family homes fall under the partially covered category unless exempted.
- Most condominiums: Condos are also considered partially covered units unless exempted.
To learn more about exemptions, fees, and additional information regarding Measure MM registration, visit the Measure MM Registration page on the Berkeley Rent Board’s website. Alternatively, you can directly access the Rent Board’s online rent registry.
Fully Covered Unit Registration: Fully covered units are subject to rent control and additional regulations specified by the Rent Ordinance. After setting the initial rent for a new tenancy, landlords must comply with the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) set by the Rent Board for rent increases.
The following types of rental units fall under the fully covered category:
- Most units on multi-family properties built before June 1980.
- Single-family homes with current tenancies that began before 1996.
- Single-family homes with five or more rooms rented out individually with separate leases (each room is considered a unit).
For more information on exemptions, fees, and additional details regarding fully covered unit registration, visit the Fully Covered Unit Registration page on the Berkeley Rent Board’s website. The Rent Board’s online rent registry is also available for your convenience.
Conclusion: As a landlord in Berkeley, it is crucial to understand and comply with the Rent Board’s registration requirements and deadlines. By familiarizing yourself with the different categories of rental units and their corresponding fees, you can ensure that you fulfill your obligations and maintain a transparent and lawful rental process. Take the necessary steps to register your units and submit the required fees before the deadline to avoid any unnecessary penalties. For further information and clarification, refer to the Rent Board’s official website or contact them directly.
