Berkeley Property Management for Rent-Controlled and Small Buildings

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

Berkeley has one of the most detailed rent ordinances in California. 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 Berkeley.

Berkeley Property Management from an Oakland Owner-Operator

We focus on rent-controlled and small apartment buildings, Section 8 tenancies and getting compliance right the first time: registration, AGA notices, deposit interest and records the Rent Board may ask for.

Berkeley Rent Rules Owners Need to Know

• Berkeley’s Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance (BMC Chapter 13.76) covers most older multi-unit rentals; partial coverage applies to some others.
• The 2026 AGA is 1.0%, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It is 65% of Bay Area CPI, capped at 5% (Measure BB). The Rent Board sets each AGA in October.
• No AGA for the rest of the year a tenancy starts, or for the next calendar year (a tenancy starting in 2025 gets no AGA in 2026).
• Unused AGAs can be banked and taken later with proper notice.
• The AGA is not allowed if registration fees are unpaid, if there are serious repair problems or outstanding code violations, or if security-deposit interest has not been paid.
• The Rent Board did not authorize a pass-through of the FY 2026-27 registration fee.
• Notice: 30 days for an increase of 10% or less, 90 days above 10%.

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: Berkeley Rent Board, Annual General Adjustment; Berkeley Rent Board, (510) 981-7368.

What’s Included in Berkeley 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 Berkeley

Section 8 in Berkeley

Housing Choice Vouchers in Berkeley are administered by the Berkeley Housing Authority. Rent changes on a voucher unit also go through the housing authority. We work with the Berkeley Housing Authority on voucher tenancies.

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 Berkeley

Already have a manager in Berkeley? 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.

Berkeley Property Management FAQ

What is Berkeley’s 2026 AGA?

1.0%, per the Berkeley Rent Board. The AGA is 65% of Bay Area CPI, capped at 5% (Measure BB), and takes effect January 1. The Board sets the next year’s AGA each October.

Is my Berkeley unit fully covered?

Coverage depends on the building’s age, type and exemptions. The Berkeley Rent Board can confirm a unit’s status at (510) 981-7368.

Do I owe tenants interest on security deposits?

Yes, Berkeley requires annual security-deposit interest. The Rent Board says a landlord who has not paid it cannot take the AGA for that unit.

How much does Berkeley property 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.

Can I switch managers mid-lease?

Yes. Leases stay in place when management changes. Tenants must be told of the change within 15 days under Civil Code §1962. See our switching guide.

Does OPM manage in Berkeley?

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

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