Housing Providers Gather at EBRHA Next to Tackle the Industry’s Biggest Challenges
On Saturday, May 16th, the East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA) welcomed rental housing providers, property managers, housing industry professionals, technology companies, and policy experts from across the Bay Area to the 5th Annual EBRHA Next: Housing Innovation & Technology Conference. The event delivered a full day of education, networking, and panel discussions focused on the rapidly changing future of rental housing operations.
The East Bay has one of the most challenging regulatory environments the rental housing industry has faced in decades, and EBRHA Next reinforced a clear message throughout the day: housing providers can no longer afford to operate using outdated systems, outdated information, or outdated assumptions.
From compliance and fraud prevention to waste management and compliance, the conference focused on practical tools and real-world experiences that housing providers can learn from and implement immediately to protect their investments, operate more effectively, and avoid risk.
The conference featured a packed schedule of panel discussions and presentations covering some of the most pressing issues facing rental housing providers in 2026.
One of the most talked-about discussions of the day focused on renter screening, fraud detection, and compliance. Industry experts from screening and fraud prevention companies like SubletAlert, TenantAlert, and RentSpree discussed the growing sophistication of rental application fraud, synthetic identities, fake income documentation, and organized scams targeting housing providers. Attendees learned how traditional screening methods are becoming increasingly ineffective against modern fraud tactics and why layered verification systems and compliant screening practices are now essential.
Another major highlight was the unlawful detainer and eviction panel discussion featuring Lt. Paul Liskey from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and real estate attorney Steve Williams of Fried, Williams & Grice Conner LLP. The session reviewed common mistakes owners make in the highly complicated eviction process and emphasized how these compliance issues can not only derail a case before it even reaches a courtroom, but even after a ruling is made. Attendees received practical insight into timelines, filings, enforcement realities, and the growing operational challenges surrounding possession actions in Alameda County.
Technology and operational innovation were central themes throughout the conference. Multiple sessions explored how artificial intelligence and digital management tools are reshaping the rental housing industry. Speakers demonstrated how housing providers are leveraging technology to improve maintenance coordination, streamline communications, and improve operational efficiency across their properties, but still strive to maintain a personal connection with their renters.
Another important conversation focused on waste, compost, and environmental compliance regulations impacting multifamily housing throughout the East Bay. Attendees learned how local mandates continue evolving and how compliance failures can create both operational headaches and financial penalties for property owners.
The City of Oakland Planning and Permitting panel closed out the day and generated significant engagement from attendees. Housing providers had the opportunity to hear directly about current permitting procedures, common bottlenecks, and efforts underway to improve turnaround times and modernize systems. Given the ongoing concerns surrounding delays and development barriers in Oakland, the discussion provided valuable insight for owners and operators navigating local planning processes.
Beyond the educational panel sessions, EBRHA Next once again demonstrated the value of bringing the rental housing industry together in person. Throughout the event, attendees connected directly with vendors, service providers, technology companies, legal experts, and fellow housing providers facing many of the same operational and regulatory challenges.
The exhibitor area remained active throughout the day as attendees explored new services, compliance resources, management tools, and technology solutions designed specifically for the rental housing industry. Conversations throughout the conference reflected a growing recognition that collaboration, education, and access to reliable information are becoming increasingly critical for housing providers trying to navigate California’s rapidly evolving housing landscape.
Perhaps most importantly, the conference reinforced the role EBRHA continues to play as a central resource for rental housing providers throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. In a market where one compliance mistake can result in significant financial exposure, delayed filings, penalties, or litigation, events like EBRHA Next provide housing providers with direct access to the information, experts, and tools they need to operate successfully.
For those who attended, EBRHA Next 2026 delivered valuable education, meaningful conversations, and practical strategies that attendees can immediately apply to their operations.
If you missed this year’s EBRHA Next Conference, there’s still another major event on the horizon. EBRHA’s Annual Rental Housing Trade Expo returns on Saturday, October 17th at the iconic Oakland Rotunda Building. The Expo will once again bring together housing providers, industry experts, and over 60 service professionals from across the Bay Area for one of the largest rental housing industry events in Northern California. More details, exhibitor & sponsor opportunities, panel discussions, and registration information is available at www.ebrha.com/events