Rental Registration: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do rental registration rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro 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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro requires landlords to register rental units with the Rent Review Program and report rent increases through the Rent Review Board.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | BMC 13.76 and 19.42 | - |
| Registration | Annual with Rent Board | Required with city |
| Safety inspection | Four-year self-certification cycle | - |
| Business license | Required under Title 9 | - |
| Penalty | Rent increases and evictions barred for unregistered units | - |
| Program | - | Rent Review Ordinance |
| Board | - | Rent Review Board mediation |
| Business License | - | Required for all landlords |
| Notice | - | Must inform tenants of program |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Who oversees rental registration in San Leandro?
The Rent Review Board, staffed through the City Manager office, administers the program and hears rent increase petitions.
Is a business license required for small landlords?
Yes, San Leandro requires a business license for residential rental activity regardless of the number of units.
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