Berkeley, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- BMC 13.76 and 19.42
- Registration
- Annual with Rent Board
- Safety inspection
- Four-year self-certification cycle
- Business license
- Required under Title 9
- Penalty
- Rent increases and evictions barred for unregistered units
Summary
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.
1947.12. (d) This section shall not apply to the following residential real properties: (1) Housing restricted by deed, regulatory restriction contained in an agreement with a government agency, or other recorded document as affordable housing for persons and families of very low, low, or moderate income. (3) Housing subject to rent or price control through a public entity's valid exercise of its police power. (4) Housing that has been issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years, unless the housing is a mobilehome.
Full Breakdown
Under BMC Chapter 13.76 and the Rental Housing Safety Program (BMC Chapter 19.42), Berkeley landlords must register each covered unit with the Rent Stabilization Board and pay an annual registration fee (set yearly, typically paid by July). Units subject to rent control must also file initial and annual rent registration forms disclosing the base rent and tenancy details. The Rental Housing Safety Program additionally requires owners to complete a self-certification checklist covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, heating, plumbing, and structural safety, typically on a four-year cycle. Failure to register can bar landlords from increasing rent or pursuing evictions. The Rent Board publishes current fees and forms at rentboard.berkeleyca.gov, and the City also maintains a business license requirement for residential rental owners under BMC Title 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register a single-family rental in Berkeley?
What happens if I do not register?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle rental registration.