Berkeley Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Ordinance

What it requires

• On fully covered units, raise rent only by the Annual General Adjustment (or an approved petition), with at least 30 days’ written notice. The AGA takes effect each January 1.
• A new tenancy isn’t eligible for the AGA in the year it starts or the following calendar year.
• No AGA if the unit isn’t fully registered by July 1, fails habitability, or has unmade ordered repairs.
• End a covered tenancy only for one of the ordinance’s listed causes; the notice must say advice is available from the Rent Board, with its phone number and website.
• File a copy of any termination notice or eviction summons with the Rent Board within three business days of service. Units built after June 30, 1980, and single-family homes are exempt from the rent limit but still covered by just cause and registration.

Owner checklist

• Registration complete before July 1
• Move-in year checked before any AGA increase
• Increase notice served at least 30 days ahead
• Termination notices filed with the Rent Board within three business days