Berkeley Rent Board

Wow! I have navigated many systems working for nonprofits. I found the Rent Board difficult to give a straight answer and my ? was not answered. I believe the disconnect in balancing low-income struggling tenants, primarily African-American, with the political machine is valid. I spent 20 minutes restating my name, address, phone number and repeatedly asked if I was a Berkeley tenant. She assumed I came with a complaint and was told that BRS does not do inspections but Berkeley Housing code. Then and asked if I was subsidized then I was exempt from inspections. I just wanted to know in times past (been there nearly three years) BRS did inspections with property staff and maintenance and what changed or did I miss a memo?
Jun 15th, 2023

unprofessional organization and staff. expect no accountability or customer service.
Jan 23rd, 2023

I moved to Berkeley and had few issues with landlord. After consulting with few people This place was a God's send. First my rent was paid East Bay Law Center as Ms. Gracie Jones put all paperwork in as rent payment was made on my behalf. Second issue was having moles in my apartment and dealing with unnecessary harrassment from Landlord and management. Not only did Eviction Defense Center of Oakland helped me get out of a sour ordeal but get me a surplus on top of getting security deposit. Thank you Berkeley rent stabilization, East Bay Law Center and Peter, Joey, Armanda and Ana at East bay eviction defense center whom deligently worked to help a tenant facing discrimination as well as violations from management.
Jan 13th, 2019

Aug 17th, 2018

I went there for help because an inspector from the city suggested it because the elevators in my building keep breaking down all the time! When I contacted KONE they said that my complex was on a 'credit hold' because they did not pay for their maintenance contract for 90 days! I went to the Rent Board because I want someone to contact the landlord to inform them that they are required to ensure that the elevators are properly maintained at all times and that not properly paying for their maintenance contract is unacceptable! They referred me to the East Bay Community Law Center that does not handle that kind of law. The EBCLC handles a very narrow set of legal issues. So, hey! Berkeley Rent Board employees! You all need to go and chat with the folks at EBCLC and educate yourselves better at what kinds of services that they actually do serve so your not wasting people's time!
Jan 30th, 2024