@
FAQ - Moving in/out
Lease Details
What are the move in and move out dates?
The Sterling Berkeley Collection offers three different lease terms. Please see below for information.
Full term leases:
- Move in date is August 16th and Move out date is July 31st.
Short term leases:
- Move in August 16th and Move out December 31st
- Move in August 16th and Move out May 31st
What is an installment?
Sterling Berkeley has year-long leases, not month-to-month contracts. Your first payment in August will be smaller (prorated) because you are moving in on the 16th, not the 1st. Starting in September, you will pay the full monthly rent amount listed in your lease each month until your lease ends.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st of the month and late on the 5th of the month. Late fees are posted at at 12:01am on the 5th of the month.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Sterling Berkeley Collection does not have a cancellation policy. However, we do have two options for those unable to fulfill their lease – Lease Buy Out Agreement and Reletting. The purpose of the buy-out agreement is to allow those the right to buy-out of their lease contract. The lease buy-out fee is equivalent to 2 months of rent. If the party does not want to pay the buy-out, they have the option to relet. This process allows for the individual to transfer their financial obligation of the lease to a new individual.
What behavior is prohibited?
To ensure all residents get the most of their time at Sterling Berkeley Collection, below are some of the most common lease violations.
Valet Trash Policies
Noise
Smoking Policies – We are a non-smoking community
Property Damage
Unregistered Pets
Guests’ Actions
What is Rentistry?
Rentistry is a convenient and highly effective way to build your credit simply by paying your rent on time. You will be charged $5.20 per month with your monthly charges. Rentistry can improve your credit score and financial wellness throughout your time at Sterling Berkeley Collection. Residents must opt-into this service, they may do so at https://www.foxen.com/residents/rentistry
Do I need Renter’s Insurance?
At Sterling Berkeley Collection, you will automatically be signed up for the Liability Program, which costs $13.95 per month. This program is not renters insurance and does not cover your personal belongings. If you have a Private or Shared bedroom lease, you are required to purchase your own renters insurance. If you have a full unit lease, renters insurance is not required. For those who are required or choose to have their own renters insurance, the policy must include at least $100,000 in personal liability coverage, and you will need to upload your Declaration Page to Foxen.com for verification.
What's Included
What is included in rent installments?
Premium Wi-Fi internet – residents must purchase their own router (Sterling Jefferson does not include Wi-Fi)
On-call staff.
Nightly Security
Amazon Lockers
What is not included in monthly rental payments?
Utilities (electricity, gas, trash, and water) – utilities are sub-metered and billed monthly. Residents must set up and pay their electricity usage through PG&E. For other utilities, resident do not need to set up an account as it is set up through Conservice. This will be paid through your Resident Portal with your monthly rent payments.
Are the units furnished?
Only Private and shared bedroom leases come furnished. Full unit leases do have the option to rent furniture (based on availability). Furnishings come with a Twin XL mattress, bedframe, desk/chair, armchair, sofa, and coffee table*.
*Some units may not come with these options depending on floor plan
Leasing Process
When does leasing begin for Fall 2026?
Sterling Berkeley Collection will begin leasing for 2026-2027 this Fall, typically December.
What is the application process?
We want the leasing process to be as easy as possible.
On our Collection’s home website, , go to “Lease Now” Berkeley prospect portal and select “apply” on your preferred property, create an account, then apply for your favorite floorplan.
You will fill out the application all about YOU. You will have the option to add parking, pets, and a guarantor during this process.
Once the application is completed, the lease with be automatically generated for you to electronically sign.
If you have added a Guarantor, management will then send a separate email to fill out their application and sign the Guarantor Agreement.
We will then begin your screening process and communicate any further questions we may have.
BAM – you’ve signed at the Sterling Berkeley Collection!
Do I need a guarantor/co-signer?
No, we do not require a guarantor to qualify to live at Sterling Berkeley Collection. Adding a guarantor only adjusts your deposit ($500 – 1x monthly).
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $50 application fee per person (applies to guarantors as well) that is applied to your account after you have been approved. This is due prior to your move in date.
Do I have to sign my lease in person?
No! Our entire application and lease process can be completed in the comfort of your home from any device.
Roommate Matching
Roommate matching is very popular in our community, and we work hard to make sure you feel comfortable at home. When you apply for a Shared or Private lease, you’ll fill out a roommate matching questionnaire with personality questions. This helps us pair you with a roommate who is a good fit and could even become a new friend!
Parking
Is there on-site parking?
Yes, we offer gated reserved parking at each of our 6 properties for $230 per month. Parking availability fluctuates per year.
Where can my guests or parents park?
We do not offer guest parking.
Do you tow?
Yes, we will tow vehicles at the owner’s expense if they are not parking in the correct Reserved Parking space or illegally parked.
Can I park in the retail spaces?
No. Residents may not park in retail spaces.
Living at Sterling Berkeley
How do I pay my rent?
Rent will be paid through the Resident Portal https://berkeley.residentportal.com/. We accept e-check, credit/debit card, and Money Gram. You can set up a one-time payment or monthly recurring payments. There will be a processing fee based on the form of payment that you choose. You may also provide a check, money order, or cashier’s check to the office.
How do utilities work?
Utilities (electricity, gas, trash, and water) – utilities are sub-metered and billed monthly. Residents must set up and pay their electricity usage through PG&E. For other utilities, resident do not need to set up an account as it is set up through Conservice. This will be paid through your Resident Portal with your monthly rent payments.
How does trash pickup work?
Our partner, Valet Living, will pick up your trash every night Sunday - Thursday. Here’s how it works. You will set your provided trash can outside of your day as early as 5:00 PM. Your trash must be bagged and tied to be picked up. All boxes must be broken down. Trash can need to be brought back into your unit by 9:00 AM. We also have large trash dumpsters available in each property’s garage.
Where do I enter maintenance requests?
SBC’s maintenance team is here to help! If you have any maintenance concerns you may enter a request through your Resident Portal https://berkeley.residentportal.com/. We have also partnered with Happy Force who will immediately reach out to you for more troubleshooting and details on the maintenance request.
After Hours Maintenance Requests
Our after-hours team is here for your maintenance emergencies. Emergencies include
Water leaks or overflowing water from a tub/shower/sink/appliance
AC goes out and it is over 85 degrees outside.
Heater goes out and it is under 55 degrees outside
Apartment lock out (bedrooms not included)
Please contact our (510) 849-2000 and Leo can direct you to the proper team member for your emergency. Any medical emergencies, criminal activity, or fires that take place, contact 9-1-1 immediately before contacting the property.
What are the amenity hours?
All of our amenities close at 10 pm. However, Amazon lockers are 24/7.
Do you allow pets?
We love our furry residents! We understand your pets are part of your family, which means finding a home that welcomes all of you! Although we require pets to be at least 1 year of age, we do not have a weight limit. Please get in touch with the office at (510) 849-2000. if you have any questions about our breed/species restrictions.
What behavior is prohibited?
We want all of our residents to enjoy their living experience throughout their time at Sterling Berkeley Collection. We ask that our residents and their guests follow all Community Guidelines found in your lease including:
Proper use of amenities or common area spaces
No smoking anywhere within the community
Pets kept on a leash at all times
Quiet Hours (10 pm – 8 am)
Guest Policies
Misuse of property safety equipment (fire extinguishers, exit signs, etc)
What if I am having an issue with my roommate?
The Sterling Berkeley Collection is here to support you. If you're experiencing challenges with your roommate, we’re happy to listen and help guide the conversation toward a peaceful resolution. We also offer roommate mediation to help everyone come to a mutual understanding and maintain a positive living environment.
Can I transfer apartments?
Yes, apartment transfers are possible based on availability. If we have another unit open that meets your needs, we’ll be happy to assist with the transfer process. Please keep in mind, that if you are transferring between properties, a new security deposit is required. If you are transferring within a property, the deposit is transfer.
How do I use my key fob?
You will receive a red key fob upon picking up your keys. This will be used to enter your residential building. Simply place the fob on the reader and wait for the light to turn green.
Where do I pick up my mail and packages?
At Sterling Berkeley collection, we offer an Amazon package locker system for 24/7 package pick up access at each of our properties. SBC management will add you into our Amazon system then send you a confirmation email. Please follow instructions in the email to start using the service. Delivery drivers will place your package in a locker, the mail area, or in-front of your unit (depends on the driver and availability of the locker) and an access code will be available in the Amazon app. If a package will not fit in the lockers or the lockers are full, the package will be left in the mail area of the secured lobby.
You will have a designated mail box where your mail and smaller packages will be delivered. There is a designated mail area within the lobby of each property.
University Resources
Where does the bus pick up for UC Berkeley?
As our collection as 6 properties throughout downtown Berkeley, there are numerous bus stops UC Berkeley’s bear transit and AC Transit bus line makes! Download the “Transit App” to assist in making your commute easier.
Transit App: https://transitapp.com/
UC Berkeley Bear Transit: https://pt.berkeley.edu/bear-transit
AC Transit: https://www.actransit.org/
Do I need to purchase a meal plan?
Sterling Berkeley Collection does not provide meal plans for the residents. Each resident has a fully equipped kitchen, allowing them to make some of their favorite dishes anytime. We are also steps away from various dining options such as Chipotle, Study Hall Lounge, Jupiter’s Pizza, and Crave Subs!
UC Berkeley Student Resources (university specific. All Links)
Below are some helpful links to UC Berkeley student resources
Parent/Guarantor
How do I pay rent?
Yes, we offer gated reserved parking at each of our 6 properties for $230 per month. Parking availability fluctuates per year.
Can I pay in full?
You can pay your monthly rent early or in full. Please be advised a credit will sit on the resident’s account and the installments will be pulled out each month. Remember to include any additional monthly fees such as parking, pets, or storage. Utilities will vary based on usage, we recommend adding an additional amount to cover this cost or you will have a balance at the end of the lease term.
How can I visit my student?
We know it can be hard leaving your loved one and want to visit them throughout their time at SBC. However, access is limited to residents with a fob. The fob is required to enter the building. We are only able to give primary leaseholders a fob to their apartments. Your student will need to accompany all guests while in the building.
What if my student is having trouble with a roommate?
Sterling Berkeley Collection is here to support you and your student. If they are experiencing challenges with their roommate, we’re happy to listen and help guide the conversation toward a peaceful resolution. We also offer roommate mediation to help everyone come to a mutual understanding and maintain a positive living environment.
What is typically included in the monthly charges?
Each month you will be able to see a breakdown of charges on the ledger through the Resident Portal. Typically, each month will include:
Monthly Rent
Utilities
Additional Fees – Parking, Pet Rent, Liability Coverage, Short Term lease Premium, Furniture Rental
Situational Fees – Lock out, Property Damage, Lease Violations
Please see our Fee Sheet for more details. https://www.sterlingberkeleycollection.com/berkeley-ca/sterling-haste/transparency
Why am I paying a full month of rent in July if move out is July 15th?
Does not apply to Sterling Berkeley Collection.
CONTACT US
Are You Ready?
Ready to enjoy our beautiful apartments, vibrant community, and all the entertainment opportunities the surrounding neighborhood has to offer? Give us a call today!