Berkeley Owner Move-In and Ellis Act Relocation Payments

What it requires

• Pay standard relocation on an owner move-in when at least one occupant has lived in the unit a year or more, and to tenants displaced by any Ellis Act withdrawal.
• Pay the additional amount to households that are low-income or include a disabled or elderly tenant or a minor child, or whose tenancy began before January 1, 1999.
• For owner move-ins, deposit the standard payment in escrow with the City within 10 days of serving the notice, and any additional payment within 10 days after the tenant claims it. For Ellis, deposit when you file the notice of intent to withdraw.
• Amounts rise each January 1 with Bay Area CPI, and the Rent Board publishes them by October 31.
• Failing to pay is a defense to the eviction, and tenants who moved out can recover three times the amount plus attorney’s fees.

Owner checklist

• Use the amount for the year the notice is served
• Deposit the standard owner move-in payment within 10 days
• Watch for additional-assistance claims
• File the notice with the Rent Board within 10 days