City protections, support for renters struggling due to COVID-19
The city of Berkeley has been sharing public health news and recommendations about COVID-19 on its website. Berkeleyside is reprinting some of these items with permission.
Rentals
Top Stories
Berkeley rent board wants voters to add rent control measures to certain duplexes and ADUs
The proposed changes to the rent control ordinance would take away an exemption first allowed 40 years ago.
What will happen May 1? Berkeley renters, landlords, officials respond to new reality
Eviction moratoriums provide some temporary relief for tenants who can’t pay rent. But everyone from those renters to corporate landlords are still feeling worried about the future.
Recent stories
Oakland passes 2-month freeze on evictions for renters, small businesses
Berkeley and Oakland now have two of the strongest emergency protections for residential renters and small businesses in California. City leaders say state and federal lawmakers need to catch up.
Should Berkeley tenants get first dibs on buying their landlord’s property?
The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act has not even reached the City Council, but it’s already generating plenty of controversy, and support.
Watch: Berkeley mayor announces ‘first in the state’ housing policy
On Thursday, Berkeley Mayor Jesse ArreguĂn and housing advocates announced what they described as a “first in the state housing policy” called the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. Watch live video here.
Berkeley could ban criminal background checks in rental housing
Advocates say the proposed ordinance would give all tenants a “fair chance,” but landlords say they’re entitled to information about applicants.
One of Berkeley’s largest landlords sells 6 apartment complexes to Texas group
The sale transfers 314 units around downtown that mostly house students and could bring over $4 million in transfer taxes to the city.
Berkeley prepares for potential repeal of Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act
Which properties would become rent-controlled after a repeal, and which would be exempt? Berkeley voters could make the call in November.
Fooding, hiking, drinking and renting with the dog: Some East Bay options
Oakland is the East Bay’s top dog haven, according to experts, but the whole area has lots to offer for our canine friends.
Rents are down in Berkeley and Oakland, but still out of reach for many
Rents are on a downward trajectory in Berkeley and Oakland, but many residents still struggle with affordability.
Berkeley short-term rental hosts must now pay taxes as new rules go into effect
The city could pull in an estimated $800,000 in new taxes on short-term rental units by the end of June, aided in part by an agreement with Airbnb to help collect that money.
