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Plumbing emergencies rarely come out of nowhere, and planning smart updates can help head them off. We put together a short piece on why Bay Area buildings are hitting a plumbing tipping point, why issues feel sudden when they finally surface, and what proactive planning actually looks like (without ripping everything out all at once).

Storm drains don’t filter - they’re basically express lanes to the Bay. That’s why Oakland’s Business Stormwater Program has strict rules. If your business leaks, drips, washes, stores, dumps, or sprays anything outdoors, you’re probably on the city’s stormwater radar.

Oakland’s vacancy tax is one of those programs you may have heard of, but don’t fully understand. What counts as “vacant”? Who actually has to pay? And what about the dozens(!!) of exemptions? In this blog, we’ve unpacked Measure W for you.

Oakland owners and managers: if a building becomes vacant, goes into default, or enters foreclosure, the City has a whole set of rules that apply, and the fines aren’t small. To keep things clear (and sane), we broke down the entire program - what triggers registration, what the City expects, and how to avoid expensive missteps.

Property Atlas hits Oakland on December 1st, and we all know that one is…not like the other. This week, we’re unpacking how Oakland’s RAP and San Francisco’s Rent Board look similar on paper but behave like two different species in the wild.

As the holidays roll in, it’s tempting to add a little sparkle everywhere, including the fire escape. But in San Francisco, even small decorations or storage can count as “attachments” under the fire code and block egress when it matters most.

If you own or manage buildings in Oakland’s hills, you already know: the views are great, but the wildfire rules are no joke. And those annual fire vegetation inspections? Completely unscheduled. Property Atlas makes them a whole lot easier.

In San Francisco, even small construction discrepancies can turn into major headaches. That’s where as-builts come in. They’re the key to clearing violations quickly and getting ahead for your next construction project.

Before rainy season hits, check your roofs, gutters, catch basins, and site drains, or risk finding out the hard way where the water’s going. Need help? Reach out to one of the vetted vendors through Property Atlas.

Hiring a contractor is like marrying someone after one date—and then inviting them to live in your house. Here's how not to regret it.

Fleet Week’s coming (hopefully!), and everyone’s dreaming of rooftop views. But before you break out the lawn chairs and blueprints, know this: SF treats roof decks like an entire extra floor. That means sprinklers, skylights, and code gymnastics galore.

If you’ve managed a building through a 5-year fire inspection, you know the drill: disruption, scheduling headaches, and surprise costs. The fix? One vendor who can do it all.

The difference between mediocre and meticulous As-Builts is the difference between a building owner who operates with confidence and one who faces uncertainty at every turn. Our recent blog explains the difference.

Biohazard and crime scene cleanup isn’t just about restoring a space - it’s about handling difficult moments with respect and professionalism. Learn more about what property managers should know, and get Property Atlas’ recommendations for trusted experts.

If there’s one place you really don’t want to cut corners on your next project, it’s your Structural Engineer. Learn more in our latest blog!

San Francisco’s rent control rules are strict, but there are ways for landlords to legally raise rents beyond the standard 1.4% annual bump. Our latest guide breaks down the 3 key categories.

Do you own or manage a 5+story building? If you do, you may be required to have your facade and glazing inspected. Learn more about this program in our latest blog.

If your building was built before 1980, there’s a good chance you’ve got asbestos, lead, or both hiding somewhere in the structure. And if you’re planning any kind of renovation or demo work, it’s your responsibility to test for and safely remove those materials before construction begins. Learn more about the requirements and connect with a qualified team to help with your next project.

Fire escapes are a unique component of the escape and rescue system for apartment buildings. Today, new fire escapes aren’t even permitted in most cases because the ladders are so narrow and steep, they can be hazardous for occupants, but also for the fire department to access with all their equipment. Learn more about requirements for fire escapes in our latest blog article.

There is a lot of confusion about what Architects actually DO and when their services are needed. Learn more in our latest blog!

Learn about mold and mildew violations 2-3 months before you receive your NOV with Property Atlas!

Learn about plumbing complaints and leaks 2-3 months before you receive your NOV with Property Atlas!

Whether you're dealing with a violation, or starting a new renovation project, you'll need accurate floor plans of the existing building to get started.

311 Violations cover a large variety of complaints that can result in violations from any city agency. Read on to learn about our 311 alerts and which ones to pay close attention to!