Hayward Property Management and RRSO Compliance

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; check with the city or an attorney.

Hayward’s Residential Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Ordinance (RRSO) adds notice, filing and fee rules on top of state law. OPM is an owner-operated property manager based in Oakland, run by Saj Shah, a licensed California broker (DRE #02003300). We take on management in Hayward.

Hayward Property Management from an Oakland Owner-Operator

We manage East Bay apartment buildings with a focus on Section 8 and compliance. In Hayward, that means checking each unit’s coverage, sending notices the RRSO requires, and copying the City on every rent increase and termination notice.

Hayward Rent Rules Owners Need to Know

• RRSO (Ordinance 19-12, effective July 25, 2019). Check each unit’s status (Covered Rental Unit or Rental Unit) in the City’s Rent Review Database.
• Covered Rental Units are broadly multi-unit properties built before July 1, 1979, with exceptions.
• Covered units: increases of up to 5%, once every 12 months. Banking is allowed up to a 10% total; banked increases expire after 10 years. Higher increases require City rent review.
• Increase notices must show the increase in dollars and as a percentage, and include the required City information.
• Copies of rent increase and termination notices must go to the Rent Review Office within 30 calendar days.
• The annual RRSO fee is due by Aug. 31. Half can be passed through to tenants; if it is unpaid, the owner is not entitled to a rent increase.
• Most rental units have just-cause, anti-harassment and source-of-income protections.
• Rent Review Office: (510) 583-4454, housing@hayward-ca.gov.

State law. Units not covered by local rent control may still be covered by the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civil Code §1947.12). For Aug. 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, the AB 1482 cap is 8.8%, per the City of Alameda Rent Program, AGA notice (May 18, 2026). AB 1482 also has just-cause eviction rules for most tenancies.

Sources: City of Hayward, Information for Landlords; RRSO Summary; RRSO FAQ.

What’s Included in Hayward Property Management

• Leasing: marketing, showings, screening every applicant with the same written rental criteria, and lease signing
• Rent collection and owner statements
• Maintenance coordination, with vendor costs passed through at cost and no markups
• Bookkeeping and year-end records
• Compliance: rent increase notices, local registration and filings, and state-law notices for Hayward

Section 8 in Hayward

Housing Choice Vouchers in Hayward are administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda (HACA). We work with HACA on voucher tenancies. Source of income, including vouchers, is protected in Hayward and statewide.

Pricing

Management fees are based on portfolio size and charged on gross rent collected: Under 10 units: 8% / 10–40 units: 7% / Over 40 units: 6%. Leasing is 50% of the first month’s rent. Housing inspections are $100 each. Lease renewals are free, and consulting is priced case by case. We don’t mark up repairs; vendor costs are passed through at cost. Monthly ACH deposits to you are free, and we prepare your 1099s at year end. See our property management fees page.

Switching Managers in Hayward

Already have a manager in Hayward? Switching is mostly paperwork: notice under your current contract, a handoff of deposits, ledgers, leases and keys, and a letter to tenants. California requires tenants to be told about a manager change within 15 days (Civil Code §1962). Our guide to switching property managers walks through each step. Not ready to switch? Ask about our consultant option. Consulting is priced case by case. Contact us for details.

Hayward Property Management FAQ

Is my Hayward unit a Covered Rental Unit?

Broadly, Covered Rental Units are multi-unit properties built before July 1, 1979, with exceptions. Look up the address or APN in the City’s Rent Review Database.

What is the maximum rent increase in Hayward?

For Covered Rental Units, 5% once every 12 months, plus any banked increases up to a 10% total. Higher increases need City rent review approval.

Can I bank increases?

Yes, up to a 10% total increase, and banked increases expire after 10 years.

Does Hayward have just cause?

Yes. The City says most rental units in Hayward are covered by just cause for eviction, anti-harassment and retaliation protections, and source-of-income protections.

What does management cost?

Management is based on portfolio size: Under 10 units: 8% / 10–40 units: 7% / Over 40 units: 6% of gross rent collected. Leasing is 50% of the first month’s rent, and housing inspections are $100 each. See our fees page.

Do you work with the housing authority in Hayward?

Yes. Housing Choice Vouchers in Hayward are administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda (HACA), and OPM works with HACA on voucher tenancies, including inspections and HAP paperwork.

Does OPM manage in Hayward?

Yes. OPM takes on property management in Hayward, including leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination and compliance.

More for owners: Oakland apartment property management · Section 8 property management · owner FAQ · San Leandro property management · Alameda property management