Alameda County, CA — May 2025

In response to growing challenges facing small rental property owners in Alameda County, a groundbreaking new initiative—the Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center (ACHPRC)—is fully operational and provides education, guidance, and direct support services to rental housing providers across the county.

The ACHPRC is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA) in partnership with the Berkeley Property Owners Association (BPOA). Together, these organizations form the Rental Housing Collaborative (RHC), an alliance committed to preserving affordable rental housing and supporting the vital role small property owners play in the local housing ecosystem.

A Response to Urgent Needs

The founding of the Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center (ACHPRC) comes at a pivotal moment. Over the past several years, rental property owners—especially those managing between one and four units—have struggled to navigate the complex landscape of regulatory changes, tenant protections, and rising operational costs, all while trying to remain compliant and retain stable tenancies. These challenges were heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftershocks, including eviction moratoriums and increased rental debt by tenants.

“Small rental housing providers are a critical part of Alameda County’s housing stock, yet they’re often left without access to the kind of support systems larger property managers or institutional landlords can rely on,” said Derek Barnes, CEO of EBRHA and Program Director for ACHPRC. “This center is designed to fill that gap and give owners the tools they need to succeed—and by extension, help renters stay housed.”

What ACHPRC Does

The Resource Center serves as a centralized, one-stop hub where rental housing providers can access a wide range of free and low-cost services, including:

  • Legal and compliance support, including a dedicated hotline for one-on-one consultations;
  • Multilingual training workshops on rent control, Just Cause ordinances, and tenant-landlord relations;
  • Web-based resources, including appointment scheduling, live chat, and downloadable content;
  • In-person and virtual education sessions, featuring local experts, housing advocates, and attorneys;
  • Conflict resolution and mediation resources, connecting property owners to best practices and experienced partners;
  • A robust marketing and outreach campaign to engage property owners in multiple languages and cultural contexts.

Centering Equity and Stability

At its core, the Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center (ACHPRC) was founded on a belief that housing stability begins with well-informed, well-supported rental housing providers. By offering equitable access to resources—particularly for mom-and-pops, immigrant owners, and BIPOC-owned properties—the center aims to create a more sustainable and less adversarial rental housing environment.

“We want to stop the loss of small, community-based rental owners who are selling off their units because they can’t keep up with changing laws or afford any legal missteps,” said Emma Nyalenda, Program Analyst for ACHPRC. “That kind of loss contributes to gentrification, displacement, and rising rents. This center is one of our best tools to prevent that from happening.”

Looking Ahead

Funded initially through a contract with the office of Alameda County Housing and Community Development  (HCD), the Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center (ACHPRC) is now fully operational. Quarterly evaluation reports, usage metrics, and community feedback will guide continuous improvements and help inform future expansion to a countywide model.

Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a significant step forward in addressing the housing challenges our county faces.”

“The resources provided through the ACHPRC support the continued legal, safe and sustainable operation of rental properties by focusing on the unique needs and issues in the Unincorporated County. This is an opportunity to create a line of communication between rental housing providers and HCD in order for the County to respond to the housing needs of the community,” said Michelle Starratt, Alameda County, HCD Housing Director.

“We’re building more than a service—we’re building a movement to support the people who make affordable housing possible,” Barnes added. “Our goal is to create a lasting impact on the local housing landscape, grounded in fairness, education, and access.”