Free Berkeley Eviction & Tenancy Notice Forms

Yes. Berkeley has had rent control since 1980 under the Berkeley Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance. It covers most residential rental units in the city.

The ordinance limits annual rent increases, requires good cause for eviction, and is administered by the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board.

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board →

• Good cause for eviction must be stated on the notice
• Notice must include Rent Board counseling language informing tenants of their right to free counseling
• A copy of the notice must be filed with the Berkeley Rent Board within 3 business days
• Notice must reference the applicable section of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance
• Tenant must be informed of their right to contact the Rent Board for assistance

Under Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board, Berkeley requires just cause for any eviction of a covered tenant. The grounds fall into two categories:

Fault-based grounds — based on the tenant's conduct: non-payment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, illegal use, criminal activity on the premises, refusal to renew, refusal to allow lawful entry, or other tenant-caused grounds enumerated in the ordinance.

No-fault grounds — based on the landlord's circumstances: owner or qualifying family-member move-in, withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act), substantial remodel or demolition, or compliance with a government order. No-fault terminations require relocation assistance.

The exact list of grounds, the documentation required for each, and any city-specific cure periods are set by Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board and updated as the ordinance is amended. Always verify the current grounds with the agency before serving a notice.

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board — current just-cause grounds →

When a landlord serves a no-fault eviction in Berkeley (owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from the rental market, demolition, or compliance with a government order), the local ordinance requires relocation assistance to be paid to the tenant.

Amounts typically vary by:

• Tenant category — standard tenants vs. senior (62+), disabled, low-income, or families with minor children (protected categories receive higher amounts)
• Unit size — studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom+
• Length of tenancy — long-term tenants are sometimes entitled to additional payments

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board sets the current relocation schedule and updates it periodically (often annually, indexed to CPI). Timing of payment also varies by city — some require full payment at notice service, others split between service and vacancy. Confirm the current amounts and timing rules with the agency before serving a no-fault notice.

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board — current relocation schedule →