Berkeley Rental News - Berkeley Rent Board Postcards, Newsletters and Bulletins
January 2002 to Current
Current Newsletter
Fall 2012 Newsletter (PDF file)
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Previous Bulletins
Previous Postcards
Previous Newsletters
Fall/Winter 2010 Newsletter (PDF file)
What Is Rent Stabilization?
Getting to Know Us
What Protections Does the Rent Ordinance Provide?
Does the Ordinance Apply to Your Rental?
Berkeley Rolls Out New Recycling Program For Some Landlords and Tenants
Carts Make It Easier to Go Green
Looking to the Future
For more information on residential recycling
Keeping Berkeley Habitable
An Owner-Tenant Guide to Repair and Maintenance
Initial Steps for Avoiding or Resolving Repair Problems
Possible Steps if You Are Unable to Resolve a Repair Issue
Ask the Rent Board
2010 Election: Comings and Goings
Director's Message
2011 AGA Will Be 0.7%
Something to Pique Your Interest
Spring 2010 Newsletter (PDF file)
Rent Control’s Reality: Help for Tenants, Fair for Owners
Transitions
Moving Out
Breaking a lease
Roommate Replacement
Not good cause for eviction
Becoming a co-tenant
Moving In
While you're looking for a place . . .
If You're Staying
Renewing a lease
A landlord CAN
A landlord CANNOT
Should I stay or should I go?
Springtime for Deposits
Use and Return
Landlords: When it’s really time to give it back
Get ready? Move out!
Tenants: Fix it and clean it!
Tenants: Don’t forget that forwarding address
When a Deposit Is Not Returned
Finding a Resolution
Three Uses for Security Deposits
Tenants: Struggling to Pay Rent and Bills? When Times Are Tough, Know Your Resources
Rent and Deposit Assistance
One-time PG&E Aid
Owners: Weather or Not, We Can Help!
Does Your Family Qualify?
Habitable Homes
Initial Steps for Avoiding or Resolving Repair Problems
Tenants
Owners
Possible Steps if You Are Unable to Resolve a Repair Issue
Tenants
Owners
All Rental Units Should Have
Repair & Deduct
In Memoriam: Rent Board Commissioner Jack Harrison
State of California: Legislative Update
60-day Notice Rule Now Permanent
Tenants Gain Rights in Utility Shutoffs
Tenants Take Note: Sewer & Water
Director's Message
Ask a Counselor
Spring 2009 Newsletter (PDF file)
Feeling Secure About Your Deposit?
Make Sure You Get it Back!
Landlords - When it's really time to give it back
The "Big Three"
Moving-out prep
Tenants – Leave it the way you found it!
Tenants – Tell them where to reach you
Unreturned security deposits
Get it back – Filing a claim to recover your security deposit
Transitions
Moving Out
Breaking a lease
Roommate Replacement
Not good cause for eviction
Becoming a co-tenant
Moving In
While you're looking for a place . . .
If You're Staying
Renewing a lease
A landlord CAN
A landlord CANNOT
Should I stay or should I go?
Foreclosures Are Frightening
Tenants Should Know Their Rights
Berkeley's Rental Laws Offer Protections Against Unfair Eviction
Paying the Rent When Money's Scarce
Making Way for Waste: You May Not Want it, but We Do!
Tenant Survey and Owner Study Coming
Director's Message
A Community Presence
Fall 2008 Newsletter (PDF file)
Though Foreclosures are Up, Berkeley Tenants Remain Protected – If You Act!
Working Together to Save Water: Drought’s Impact Spreads to Tenants and Owners Alike
Guidelines for Saving Water (adapted from EBMUD)
Guide for First-time Renters in Berkeley
What Rights Does the Berkeley Rent Ordinance Offer YOU?
How is Your Unit Covered by the Ordinance?
Ellis Act Evictions: Know Your Protections
The Makings of a Habitable Apartment
Tenants: Get to know your resources!
Getting Help from the Rent Board
Economists Take a New Look at Rent Regulation
Message from the Director
Security Deposit Interest Changes
Counselors in the Community
Spring 2008 Newsletter (PDF file)
June 3rd Election and the Future of Rent Control
Arguments
Supporters of Proposition 98
Opponents of Proposition 98
Attorney General's Summary of Proposition 98
For additional information
Voter How-Tos
Tenancy Changes
Moving Out
Breaking a lease
Roommate Replacement
Not good cause for eviction
Becoming a co-tenant
Should I stay or should I go?
Moving In
Make sure you can afford the rent
Get it in writing
Ask the landlord if last month's rent will be applied
Call the Berkeley Rent Board to determine if the unit is under rent control
Make sure the unit has the basics
Once you move in
And if you're staying
Renewing a lease
Can
Cannot
Be forewarned on foreclosures
A soft landing for unwanted items
Message from the Director
New counseling options
EBMUD won't leave tenants high and dry
It's all about the interest
Spring 2007 Newsletter (PDF file)
It's that Time Again - The Ins and Outs of Security Deposits
Landlords: When it's really time to give it back
The big three
Moving-out prep
Tenants--Leave it the way you found it!
Tenants--Tell them where to reach you
Unreturned security deposits
Get it back!--Filing a claim to recover security deposit
Message from the Director
As summer approaches, many tenants will experience some change in their tenancy . . .
Moving Out
Breaking a lease
Roommate replacement
Not good cause for eviction . . .
Becoming a co-tenant . . .
Should I stay or should I go?
Moving in
While you're looking for a place . . .
1. Make sure you can afford the rent!
2. Get it in writing!
3. Ask the landlord if last month's rent will be applied.
4. Call the Berkeley Rent Board to determine if the unit is under rent control.
5. Make sure the unit has the basics.
Once you move in . . .
And if you're staying
Renewing a lease
Can
Cannot
Ask the Rent Board
Help us update our records
Sixty-Day Notice now required for "no-fault" evictions
It's all about the interest
Workshops
Security Deposits--Tenants: ALWAYS give at least 30 days' written notice
Fall 2006 Newsletter (PDF file)
Message from the Director
Proposed Measures for November Ballot
Measure I - Amending the Condo Conversion Ordinance
Measure E - Rent Stabilization Board Vacancy
Guide for First-time Renters in Berkeley
What Rights Does the Berkeley Rent Ordinance Offer YOU?
Stable Rent
Safe, habitable housing and stable services
Eviction Protection
Interest on Deposit
How is Your Unit Covered by the Ordinance
Tenants: Get to Know Your Resources!
The Makings of a Habitable Apartment
Getting Help from the Rent Board
Goodbye to a Rent Board Counselor
Did You Know? Rent-Controlled Cities Lead in New Apartment Construction in Bay Area
Ask the Rent Board
Free Rent and Your Rent Ceiling. Know the Facts!!
Lead Funding Drop-In Hours
Workshop Series
Announcements
Spring/Summer 2006 Newsletter (PDF file)
Your security deposit: Don't give it up--get it back!
Moving-out prep
Tenants: Leave it the way you found it!
Tenants: Tell them where to reach you
Unreturned security deposits
Get it Back! Filing a claim to recover security deposit
Got conflict? Let us mediate your troubles away
The Process
Moving in and Moving out
While You're Looking for a Place
Once You Move In . . .
Renewing a Lease
Breaking a Lease
Roommate Replacement
Not good cause for eviction . . .
Becoming a co-tenant
A Warm Welcome
Ask the Rent Board
Message from the Director
Mediation
Going Condo
Sewer and Water: Who Pays What?
Announcements
Rental Housing Safety Program Certification Checklist
Workshops
What is Rent Control?
Stable Rent
Eviction Protection
Security Deposit Interest
Stable Services and Habitable Conditions
How is Your Unit Covered by the Ordinance?
Understanding No-Fault Eviction Protections
Limitations on Owner Occupancy Evictions
Protections for Tenants in Buildings Converted to Condominium
Tenants in Buildings with Tenancy in Common (TIC) Ownership
Limitations on Evictions in Order to "Go Out of Business"
Limitations on Changes in the Rules for a Tenancy
Security Deposit Interest
. . . And it's now Overdue
City of Berkeley Habitability Guide
Initial Steps for Avoiding or Resolving Repair Problems
Possible Steps if You Are Unable to Resolve a Repair Issue
All Rental Units Should Have . . .
Repair and Deduct
Ask the Rent Board
Update of Market Rents
Message from the Director
A Year of Change and Improvements
Affordable Housing Policy
Board Changes Rules to Help Hurricane Katrina Victims
Pet Deposits
Increased Public Access
Spring 2005 Newsletter (PDF file) Security Deposits
Know when to hold 'em, Know when to return 'em
Moving-out prep
Tenants--Leave it the way you found it!
Tenants--Tell them where to reach you
Unreturned security deposits
Get it Back! Filing a claim to recover security deposit
Rent Control and Affordable Housing
Rent Stabilization Program
The Section 8 Program
Subsidized Non-Profit Housing
Inclusionary Housing Program
Moving-in and Moving-out
While You're Looking for a Place
Once You Move In
Renewing a Lease
Breaking a Lease
Roommate Replacement
Not good cause for eviction
Becoming a co-tenant
Update of Market Rents
Ask the Rent Board
Message from the Director
In These Times of Change the Rent Ordinance Adds Stability
Soft Story Update
Owners, Don't Forget!
Rental Housing Safety Program Certifications must be complete by July 1st
File Vacancy Registration Forms for all new tenancies!!
Winter 2005 Newsletter (PDF file) Message from the Director
Education
Counseling
Mediation
Administrative Hearings
Impacts of Voter Approved Rent Law Changes
Measure P
Security Deposit
Section 8
Subletting
Criminal Penalties
Rent Board Records
Exemptions
Measure O
Take the Berkeley Rental News Quiz
2005 California State Law Changes
Landlords cannot demand that rent be paid in cash unless the tenant has
bounced or stopped payment on a rent check
Existing protections extended
Sixty-day notice requirement for large rent increases
Discrimination on the basis of source of income prohibited under the
Fair Employment and Housing Act
Local Security Deposit Interest Law
Update of Market Rents
Comings and Goings
Ask the Rent Board
Workshop Series
Announcements
2005 AGA
Revised Guide
Recent Ellis Law Changes
City of Berkeley Meeting Announcement: A Hard Look at Soft Story
Buildings
Fall 2004 Newsletter (PDF file) What is Rent Control
Stable Rent
Eviction Protection
Security Deposit Interest
Stable Services and Habitable Conditions
Is Your Unit Under Rent Control?
Rent Law Changes Proposed
Ballot Measure O
Ballot Measure P
Help Take a Hard Look at Soft Story Buildings
City of Berkeley Habitability Guide
Success Story of Staff Mediation
April 2004 Newsletter (PDF file)
Move Outs and Other Changes to Tenancy
Lease Expiration
Roommate Replacement
Security Deposit Refund
Rent Adjustments (Median Rents)
Workshops
Second Annual Poetry Slam
New Staff Member
New Board Member
Please Invite Us
January 2004 Newsletter (PDF file) New State Laws Reinforce Tenants' Rights
Limits on Landlords with Serious Code Violations
Some Court Records to be Sealed
Two Other New Amendments to Law
Harassment Protections
2004 AGA
Hellos, Goodbyes and Thank Yous!
Unpaid Security Deposit Interest Overdue
Workshops
September 2003 Newsletter (PDF file) En Español (PDF file)
Stabilization is Our Middle Name
Is Your Unit Under Rent Control?
Security Deposit: What is it and when can it be used?
Interpretation of "The Last Original Tenant"
2004 AGA Hearings
Upcoming Workshops
April 2003 Newsletter (PDF file) En Español (PDF file)
Lease Expiration
Renewing A Lease
When One Person in a Group Moves Out
New Move-Out Law
Walk-through Inspection
Return of Security Deposit
New "Average Rent" Regulation
What Housing Services Are Included in a Rent Ceiling?
Rent Law Quiz: True or False?
Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Funds Available to Rental Property Owners
January 2003 Newsletter (PDF file) En Español (PDF File)
New Security Deposit Law
Use of Deposit for Cleaning
Walk-through Inspection
Itemization
Deductions
Damages
Other Tenants Rights
60-Day Notice Required for some Evictions
24-Hour Written Notice of Landlord Entry
Ellis Act Amended
Deposit Interest Overdue
Four Steps Tenants Should Take When Repairs Are Needed
Request the Repair in Writing
Document the Problem
Request a Housing Inspection
Petition the Rent Board
Rent Board Welcomes New Director and Board Members
Rent Board Sponsors Tenants' Rights Poetry Slam
Workshops and Speakers
Notices of Apparent Lawful Rent Ceilings
September 2002 Newsletter (PDF file) En Español (PDF)
What is Rent Control?
Origins
New Initial Rents, but Controlled Increases
Eviction Protection
Security Deposit Interest
Stable Services and Habitable Conditions
Is Your Unit Under Rent Control?
Partially Exempt
Completely Exempt
Rental Housing Safety Program
2003 AGA Hearings
How to Get Your Security Deposit Back After You Move Out
Request a Workshop
Ask the Rent Board
April 2002 Newsletter (PDF file) Renewing or Terminating a Lease or Rental Agreement
Renewing a Lease
Breaking a lease
Replacing a Roommate
What a lease should include
Is it enforceable?
Returning Security Deposits
Repair and Deduct
Got Mold?
January 2002 Newsletter (PDF file) En Español (PDF)
New State Law Affects Landlords and Tenants
New Lease Requirements
3-Day Notice Requirements
Rent Board Video Project
New Regulations Affecting Ellis Act and
Owner Move-In Evictions
Regulation 1015
Regulation 1016
Security Deposit Interest Now Overdue
Lawful Rent Ceiling Notices
New Office Hours in March
Editions of Berkeley Rental News prior to January 2002 are linked on a separate page.