Rental application & screening fee rules in Berkeley
Berkeley sets its own maximum tenant screening fee, separate from — and currently higher than — California's statewide cap.
How Berkeley regulates screening fees
Berkeley regulates tenant screening fees locally through the Berkeley Rent Board, with its own maximum that is separate from the California statewide cap under Civil Code § 1950.6. The local figure is updated over time and can sit above the state number, which makes Berkeley a good example of why checking only state law is not enough.
On top of the local cap, Berkeley landlords must refund any unused portion of the fee, provide an itemized receipt, and accept an applicant's reusable (portable) tenant screening report.
What that means in practice
- Any unused portion of the fee must be refunded.
- An itemized receipt is required.
- Landlords must accept a reusable screening report.
Sources and further reading
- Berkeley Rent Board
- California screening fee law — the state rules this local ordinance builds on.
What's the actual limit in Berkeley?
Fee limits change with inflation adjustments, local ordinances, and new legislation. Use our free calculator to look up the current limit for your rental's ZIP code.
Calculate your fee limitsThis page is provided for general information only and is not legal advice. Fee rules change — caps re-index to inflation, new legislation takes effect, and cities adopt their own ordinances — so always confirm against the official statutory text linked above before relying on it. The federal Fair Housing Act applies everywhere, regardless of state or local fee rules.