2018 WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS FOR LANDLORDS AND/OR TENANTS

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All workshops and seminars are FREE. 

Special Workshop for Small Rental Property Owners
Tuesday, September 4th      6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library, 1901 Russell Street, Community Room
This workshop is designed for owners (or potential owners) of properties with 8 or less units. Small property owners face different challenges than larger property owners and this workshop addresses some of the issues that smaller property owner must grapple with. The workshop includes a general overview of the Rent Ordinance and more specific information about key issues such as resolving habitability issues and staying in compliance with City and Rent Board laws, conflict resolution, managing longer-term tenancies, how to raise rents, putting together leases for Berkeley, and how to utilize Rent Board services, including housing counseling, formal and informal mediation, the petition process and navigating the eviction process.

Tenants’ Rights Seminar (for New Tenants to Berkeley)
Wednesday, September 12th      5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 
Location:  Rent Stabilization Board Office
This seminar is a crash course on tenants’ rights and is specifically oriented to tenants new to Berkeley. The seminar covers a wide variety of topics including: Rent control and eviction protections under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, getting security deposits back, dealing with habitability problems, breaking leases, resolving roommate issues, mediating landlord/tenant disputes, and petitioning for a rent reduction/refund through the Berkeley Rent Board.

Landlord in Berkeley 101 Seminar
Friday, September 21st      12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
Location:  Rent Stabilization Board Office
Whether you are a new rental property owner or a seasoned one, understanding how the Berkeley Rent Ordinance and associated California rental housing law work is an important part of being an effective and successful landlord. Although the Rent Board is available to assist if problems arise, this seminar serves to help landlords prevent and trouble-shoot problems. Topics include: When rents can be raised (rent regulation), good cause required for evictions, interest on security deposits, common lease problems, resolving habitability issues, sub-leasing and sub-tenancies, and rent registration.

Landlord Seminar -  Rights and Responsibilities: Evictions
Wednesday, October 10th      5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. 
Location:  Rent Stabilization Board Office
This seminar is a must for any landlord who wants to understand evictions in Berkeley, including Berkeley-specific rules and restrictions on evictions and how those rules tie into the standard eviction lawsuit process under state law. The seminar will also address the particulars of the Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance, including owner move-in eviction rules. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Tenants' Rights Workshop
Tuesday, October 23rd      6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor, Community Room
This workshop is a crash course on tenants’ rights. The workshop covers a wide variety of topics including: Rent control and eviction protections under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, getting security deposits back, dealing with habitability problems, breaking leases, resolving roommate issues, mediating landlord/tenant disputes, and petitioning for a rent reduction/refund through the Berkeley Rent Board. 

Past Landlord and Tenant Workshops & Seminars

New Landlord and Small Rental Property Owner Seminar
Wednesday, February 21st     5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 
Location: the Rent Stabilization Board Office
This workshop is designed for new owners (or potential new owners) of rental properties with 8 or less units. New and small property owners face different challenges than larger property owners and this workshop addresses some of the issues that new and small property owner must grapple with. The workshop includes a general overview of the Rent Ordinance and more specific information about key issues such as resolving habitability issues and staying in compliance with City and Rent Board laws, conflict resolution, managing longer-term tenancies, how to raise rents, putting together leases for Berkeley, and how to utilize Rent Board services, including housing counseling, formal and informal mediation, the petition process and navigating the eviction process.

Evictions in Berkeley: A Workshop for Berkeley Landlords
Tuesday, March 6th      6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor, Community Room
Facilitated by a Rent Board staff attorney, this workshop is a must for any landlord who wants to understand evictions in Berkeley, including Berkeley-specific rules and restrictions on evictions and how those rules tie into the standard eviction lawsuit process under state law. The workshop will also address the particulars of the Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance, including owner move-in eviction rules. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. 

Special Workshop for Long-Term Tenants
Tuesday, March 27th      6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library, 1901 Russell Street, Community Room 
Rent stabilization and eviction protections provide housing stability and help maintain social and economic diversity in Berkeley. Rents have skyrocketed in the last few years; in some cases 20-40% above prior market rents. As a result, we have seen several cases in which long-term tenants in Berkeley are much more vulnerable to being evicted or “encouraged” to leave through harassment or neglect- so rents can be reset to current market. This workshop is designed to give long-term tenants a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, provide tenants with basic tips on how to avoid exposing themselves to pre-textual evictions, how to document and respond to harassment, habitability problems or attempts to constructively evict, what legal resources are available outside of the Rent Board, and how to avoid losing their right to their stabilized rent. Participants will receive a free tenant packet and other important information. 

 Landlords & Tenants Seminar: Rights and Responsibilities - Security Deposit Law
Wednesday, April 11th      5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. 
Location: the Rent Stabilization Board Office
Both landlords and tenants in Berkeley will inevitably face security deposit disputes. This seminar is designed to help both landlords and tenants understand their responsibilities at the end of a tenancy and their rights if the law is not properly followed. Discussion will focus on obligations and rights under California Civil Code 1950.5, and how to avoid unnecessary disputes when it comes to dealing with the security deposit. The seminar will include information about the Rent Board’s mediation service and petition process, and the Alameda County Small Claims Court.

Tenants' Rights Workshop
Tuesday, April 24th      6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor, Community Room
This workshop is a crash course on tenants’ rights. The workshop covers a wide variety of topics including: Rent control and eviction protections under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, getting security deposits back, dealing with habitability problems, breaking leases, resolving roommate issues, mediating landlord/tenant disputes, and petitioning for a rent reduction/refund through the Berkeley Rent Board.   

Landlord in Berkeley 101 Seminar
Friday, May 4th      12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Location: the Rent Stabilization Board Office
Whether you are a new rental property owner or a seasoned one, understanding how the Berkeley Rent Ordinance and associated California rental housing law work is an important part of being an effective and successful landlord. Although the Rent Board is available to assist if problems arise, this seminar serves to help landlords prevent and trouble-shoot problems. Topics include: When rents can be raised (rent regulation), good cause required for evictions, interest on security deposits, common lease problems, resolving habitability issues, sub-leasing and sub-tenancies, and rent registration.  

Moving-In/Moving-Out Seminar for Tenants
Wednesday, May 9th    5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Location: the Rent Stabilization Board Office
This seminar is a crash course for tenants on local and state laws pertaining to the move-in/move-out process, in Berkeley. Topics covered will include security deposits, tenant screening fees, what to look for when searching for a rental, lease-breaking, subletting your unit, and more!

Landlord in Berkeley 101 Seminar
Wednesday, May 16th      5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 
Location: the Rent Stabilization Board Office
Whether you are a new rental property owner or a seasoned one, understanding how the Berkeley Rent Ordinance and associated California rental housing law work is an important part of being an effective and successful landlord. Although the Rent Board is available to assist if problems arise, this seminar serves to help landlords prevent and trouble-shoot problems. Topics include: When rents can be raised (rent regulation), good cause required for evictions, interest on security deposits, common lease problems, resolving habitability issues, sub-leasing and sub-tenancies, and rent registration.

Raising Rents in Berkeley: Occupancy and Tenancy Turnover Workshop
Tuesday, May 22th      6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor, Community Room
Rent Board staff will discuss when, how, and under what circumstances rents can be reset to market under State and Berkeley law. The workshop will focus on sublease/original occupancy addendums and when landlords are able to reset the rent to market. 

Special Workshop for Long-Term Tenants
Tuesday, June 5th      6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor, Community Room
Rent stabilization and eviction protections provide housing stability and help maintain social and economic diversity in Berkeley. Rents have skyrocketed in the last few years; in some cases 20-40% above prior market rents. As a result, we have seen several cases in which long-term tenants in Berkeley are much more vulnerable to being evicted or “encouraged” to leave through harassment or neglect- so rents can be reset to current market. This workshop is designed to give long-term tenants a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, provide tenants with basic tips on how to avoid exposing themselves to pre-textual evictions, how to document and respond to harassment, habitability problems or attempts to constructively evict, what legal resources are available outside of the Rent Board, and how to avoid losing their right to their stabilized rent. Participants will receive a free tenant packet and other important information.