Berkeley Mun. Code Chapter 13.76 § 13.76.020
Findings (Berkeley Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. On June 5, 1973, the City Council (hereinafter, "Council") declared the existence of a housing emergency in the City of Berkeley (hereinafter, "the City"), based upon Council’s finding of a pattern of steadily rising rents, a shortage of decent housing and an increased deterioration of the existing housing stock in the City. B. On November 27, 1979, the Council passed an ordinance establishing a temporary rent stabilization program, effective until June 30, 1980. C. In 1980, the People of Berkeley passed the Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance, establishing the registration of rental units, the regulation of rental increase amounts, and the requirement for a landlord to provide good cause prior to terminating a tenancy. D. In 1995, the California Legislature enacted the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibited the ability of local governments to control the rental amount on a rental unit at the commencement of a new tenancy and to control the rental amount in single family homes or rental units with an initial Certificate of Occupancy issued after February 1, 1995. As a result of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, many rental units became unaffordable to Berkeley residents. E. The City continues to experience a severe housing shortage and an unprecedented increase in the number of residents experiencing housing hardships. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, in 2019, 53% of Berkeley renter households were "rent burdened," paying more than 30% of their household income towards rent. F. Due to the continuance of the housing emergency which existed when the voters of Berkeley first enacted this Chapter, the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board (hereinafter, "Board") finds that reasonable regulation of aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship is necessary to foster constructive communication, maintain an adequate supply of a variety of rental housing options, and protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. G. Because the People of Berkeley have periodically updated this Chapter through various updates, the Board finds a need to enact non-substantive changes to this Chapter in 2024 in order to make the provisions of this Chapter more consistent with modern usage and clarity. H. Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1946.2(g)(1)(B), the Board finds that this Chapter is more protective than the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1946.2. The just cause for termination of a residential tenancy under this Chapter is consistent with California Civil Code Section 1946.2; however, this Chapter further limits the reasons for termination of a residential tenancy, and provides for higher relocation assistance amounts in the event of a termination.
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.76 § 13.76.020 sets out the legislative history and rationale behind Berkeley's Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance, tracing its origins from a 1973 housing emergency declaration through subsequent updates, including the impact of the state's Costa-Hawkins Act. The provision establishes that ongoing housing hardship and shortage conditions justify continued regulation of the landlord-tenant relationship, and it notes that Berkeley's local protections — including stricter just-cause eviction rules and higher relocation assistance — are explicitly designed to exceed the baseline standards set by California Civil Code Section 1946.2.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Berkeley should be aware that § 13.76.020 frames the entire Chapter 13.76 regulatory scheme as a response to a continuing housing emergency, meaning the Board views robust oversight of rental practices as an ongoing necessity rather than a temporary measure. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with how Berkeley's local just-cause eviction standards and relocation assistance requirements go beyond state law minimums under California Civil Code Section 1946.2, since this findings section underpins those stricter obligations throughout the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13.76.020 explains why Berkeley's rent stabilization and eviction protections exist and confirms that the local rules are intentionally stronger than California's statewide baseline under Civil Code Section 1946.2, offering broader just-cause eviction protections and higher relocation assistance. Tenants who believe their rights under Chapter 13.76 have been violated can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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