Renting with Woodminster
Renting in Oakland and the East Bay
Whether you're looking for your next home or already live in one of ours, this is the place to start. Most of what you need, from applying to paying rent to requesting a repair, happens online, and our team is here when you need to talk to someone.
Looking for a Rental?
Browse single-family homes and apartments available now in Oakland and nearby East Bay cities. Schedule a private showing or video walkthrough from any listing, and apply online when you're ready.
Already a Resident?
Your resident portal is open 24/7. Pay rent, submit maintenance requests, message our team, and find your lease documents, all in one place.
Maintenance emergency? If there's a threat to life or property, call 911 first. For urgent problems like no heat, no hot water, or water coming through the ceiling, call our office at 510-336-0202 and press 2 to reach a live operator.
Who You'll Be Renting From
Family-Owned. Local. Responsive.
Woodminster Realty has been leasing and caring for homes across the East Bay since 1999. Our office is here in Oakland on Woodminster Lane, and we look after single-family homes, small apartment buildings, and a few larger properties throughout the area. When something needs attention, you're working with a local team that has been doing this for more than 25 years.
"Doing what's right is in the DNA of Woodminster and me. I grew up in Oakland, and I was a renter for most of my life, so I know what matters. Our residents tell us we actually fix things, and we always let them know when a vendor will be calling. If you need us, we'll respond."
-Nick Drobocky, Broker and Owner
What to Expect When You Rent with Us
We look after homes for the owners who hire us, and we look after the people who live in them. Here's what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you in return.
What You Can Expect from Us
What We Ask of You
Trusted Vendors
Repairs are handled by vendors we've worked with for years who are local, licensed, and insured service providers. If something still isn't right after a visit, we want to hear about it.
Submit Each Request Once
Use your resident portal or call the maintenance line, whichever is easier for you. Sending the same request both ways creates duplicates and can slow things down.
A Heads-Up Before Anyone Comes By
We'll let you know when a vendor will be reaching out to schedule a visit, so there are no surprises.
Clear the Way
Please clear the area around the repair so the vendor can get right to work.
One Place for Everything
Your maintenance requests, messages, and documents all live in your resident portal, so you have a record of every request and every reply.
Pay Rent Online
Paying through your resident portal means your payment posts right away and never gets lost in the mail.
Care for the Property
Where it applies to your home, we arrange regular yard care, annual gutter cleaning, and periodic window cleaning, so the property stays in good shape while you live there.
Keep Renter's Insurance in Place
Renter's insurance is required before move-in. Please keep it active for as long as you live with us so your belongings are protected.
Clear Timelines
After you apply, we'll get back to you within two business days. Once you're approved, your lease usually arrives within 24 hours, and you'll have 48 hours to review it, ask questions, and sign. We set up your resident portal within a business day of signing.
Tell Us About Small Problems Early
A slow leak or a loose fixture is easier to fix before it turns into a bigger repair. If you notice something, submit a request through your resident portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rentals does Woodminster Realty offer, and where?
Woodminster Realty is a family-owned property management company based in Oakland, California. Since 1999, we've leased and cared for single-family homes and apartments in Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, Richmond, and nearby East Bay cities. You can see everything currently available on our Available Rentals page.
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How do I view a property?
In most cases, you'll hear from us within two business days, either with an approval or a request for any additional documents we need. Once you're approved, we'll send your lease, usually within a day, and you'll have 48 hours to review it, ask questions, and sign.
How long does application processing take?
Within two business days, you will receive an approval notification or a specific request for additional documentation. Once approved, your lease will be delivered within 24 hours, giving you 48 hours to review, ask questions, and sign.
What do I need ready before move-in day?
Shortly after you sign your lease, we'll set up your resident portal so you can pay your security deposit and move-in funds. Once those clear, we'll schedule your move-in walkthrough. Before we hand over keys, we'll need proof of renter's insurance and all move-in funds paid in full. If any funds are still due within five business days of your move-in date, please bring a cashier's check or money order.
What happens on move-in day?
You’ll meet a team member at the property for a joint walkthrough and written condition report. You are encouraged to take your own photos and video for your records before receiving your keys.
How do I pay rent? Is there a fee?
Rent is paid online through your tenant portal. Direct portal payments are completely free and post immediately.
How do I report a maintenance issue?
Submit routine maintenance requests through your resident portal. That's the fastest way to get them to the right person. If you can't get online, call our office and leave a message on the maintenance line.
What counts as a maintenance emergency?
If there's a threat to life or property, call 911 first. If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or PG&E.
Maintenance emergencies include problems like no heat, no hot water, no working toilet, no working stove or oven, or water coming in during a storm. For these, call our main office number and follow the prompts to reach a live operator.
Can I add or remove a roommate?
Rules for adding or removing a roommate depend on your city and your lease, and they vary across the East Bay. Before anyone moves in or out, give us a call and we'll walk you through the steps for your home. You'll also find links for your city in the City Resident Resources section below.
Do you allow pets?
Pet policies vary from home to home, so check the individual listing or contact us with questions. Service animals and assistance animals are not considered pets. If you need a reasonable accommodation, just let us know.
Doing What's Right
It's been part of how we work since the first home we managed
From Renter to Homeowner
In the early 2000s, a couple moving up to the redwoods asked us to rent out their two-bedroom Oakland bungalow. It was full of character, with a hand-pounded copper countertop and a custom breakfast nook. It also had a dog who had left his mark on the carpet. We cleaned it up, painted, replaced the carpet, and found a resident who loved the home as much as they did.
He rented it for seven years. When the owners decided to sell during the 2008 downturn, we suggested offering the home to him first. Everyone agreed, we handled the sale for both sides, and he bought the house he'd been renting. He still lives there today.
It was the first home Nick ever managed, and he still calls it the foundation of Woodminster.
March 2020 | Standing By Our Community
When shelter-in-place orders came down in March 2020, Nick wrote to every Woodminster resident. Our office closed, but the work didn't stop. Vendors who agreed to keep going handled essential repairs like heat, hot water, and working toilets, and a 24-hour operator stayed on the line for anyone who couldn't get online.
"Like so many of us, I am and come from survivors. I am committed to providing you a piece of the community and support we will all need to get through this together. We are here and we will respond."
-From Nick's letter to residents, March 2020
