Effective January 1, 2020, the Berkeley Rent Board increased relocation assistance payments given to Berkeley tenants, where a landlord performs an owner move-in or Ellis Act evictions. The 3.2% increase set Berkeley Rent Ordinance relocation payments at:
- For Berkeley owner move-in evictions, Berkeley tenants are entitled to a $16,084 relocation payment with an additional $5,361 payment for families with low-income, disabled, elderly, minor children, or long term tenants;
- For Berkeley Ellis Act evictions, Berkeley tenants are entitled to a $16,084 relocation payment with an additional $5,361 payment for families with low-income, disabled, elderly, minor children, or long term tenants.
The Berkeley Rent Ordinance requires good cause for evictions of Berkeley tenants in covered units. The Berkeley Rent Ordinance’s eviction protections cover most rental units in Berkeley, even illegal units. The law codified the only eleven reasons a landlord may evict a tenant, including owner move-in and Ellis Act evictions.
Under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, a low-income tenant means a family who qualifies for Section 8. Berkeley Municipal Code § 13.76.130(A)(9)(g)(i). A tenant is disabled where they have a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities. Berkeley Municipal Code § 13.76.130(A)(9)(g)(ii). Elderly tenants must be sixty (60) years of age or older. Berkeley Municipal Code § 13.76.130(A)(9)(g)(iii). Minor children are any person under eighteen (18) years of age. Berkeley Municipal Code § 13.76.130(A)(9)(g)(iv). Finally, a long term tenancy is one that commenced prior to January 1, 1999, where an original occupant continues to occupy the unit permanently. Berkeley Municipal Code § 13.76.130(A)(9)(g)(v).
If you have been served with a termination of tenancy notice or threatened with an Ellis Act or Owner Move-In eviction, in violation of the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, contact Astanehe Law to discuss your options. Get in touch immediately by calling (415) 226-7170 or emailing contact@astanehelaw.com for your consultation. One of our experienced tenants’ rights attorneys can help you fight back against your landlord’s abuse. Astanehe Law knows tenant rights!