Rental Registration: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do rental registration rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley requires landlords of covered units to register annually with the Rent Stabilization Board, pay a per-unit fee, and comply with the Rental Housing Safety Program inspection cycle.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County unincorporated areas do not have a rental registration program. Landlords must comply with state disclosures but no county-level rental license is required.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | BMC 13.76 and 19.42 | - |
| Registration | Annual with Rent Board | Not required in unincorporated areas |
| Safety inspection | Four-year self-certification cycle | - |
| Business license | Required under Title 9 | - |
| Penalty | Rent increases and evictions barred for unregistered units | - |
| State Rules | - | Disclosures and habitability apply |
| STR | - | Short-term rentals regulated separately |
| Contact | - | CDA (510) 670-5400 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Do I have to register a single-family rental in Berkeley?
Most rental units, including single-family homes and ADUs, must register with the Rent Board and comply with the Rental Housing Safety Program.
What happens if I do not register?
Unregistered landlords cannot legally raise rent or evict tenants, and may face fines assessed by the Rent Board.
Castro Valley FAQ
Do I need to register my rental in Castro Valley?
No, unincorporated Alameda County does not have a rental registration program. Standard state landlord-tenant law applies.
What disclosures must I give tenants?
California requires lead paint disclosure for pre-1978 units, bedbug disclosure, smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance, and AB 1482 exemption notice if applicable.
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