Berkeley Rental Guide

Realistic rent ranges

Berkeley has about 8,200 residents (2020 Census), and nearly half of its homes are rented (47%, ACS 2020–2024). RentCafe, which tracks only buildings with 50 or more units, publishes no Berkeley apartment average. The Census puts the median rent paid here, utilities included, at $1,074 a month (ACS 2020–2024), a figure weighted toward houses. For apartment pricing, use the neighbors instead: Ferguson averages $778 for a 1-bedroom and Hazelwood $931 for the same unit (RentCafe, September 2026).

Before you move in: the occupancy permit

In Berkeley, you apply for your own permit, in person, before you move in. City code says no one may live in a rental until the city has issued a permit (§500.170), and every tenant must go to the inspections office to apply. The city’s rental occupancy packet lays out the order:

• The landlord books and pays for the inspection. It costs $100, with the first re-inspection free. All utilities must be on and the home must be move-in ready on inspection day.
• You have 90 days after it passes to get the occupancy permit. The tenant applies and pays the $40 fee. Bring a photo ID for every adult and birth certificates for every child in the household.
• Your lease will include the city’s crime-free lease addendum. City code requires it on every rental lease (§500.165). The addendum makes criminal activity by you, anyone in your household, or a guest a lease violation the landlord can use to start an eviction.

The city can hold the permit if the landlord owes the city fees, property taxes, or trash bills, so a landlord’s debts can delay your move (§500.170(B)(4)). Inspections office: Berkeley City Hall, 8425 Airport Rd., Berkeley, MO 63134 · (314) 400-3713 · Mon–Fri 8:30–4:45 (city site).

Plan moving day around daylight

This is the rule most renters never expect. Berkeley makes it unlawful to move into or out of a home after half an hour past sunset or before half an hour before sunrise without a permit from the police chief (§210.760). Book the truck and the helpers for daytime, and remember that sunset comes early in winter. If an evening move cannot be avoided, get a permit from the police chief first.

Getting around

Berkeley is one of the few North County cities where a train is a realistic part of the commute. The North Hanley MetroLink station (4300 Hanley Rd.) is about 2 miles from City Hall, straight-line, on the Red Line that runs from Lambert Airport through UMSL and downtown (Metro). MetroBus routes #61 Chambers Rd, #76 North Hanley Shuttle and #100 Hazelwood stop at North Hanley and Airport Road, a few blocks from City Hall.

The city sits directly east of Lambert Airport. Lambert’s 2015 noise study summary says its voluntary home-buyout program was complete and its sound-insulation program was finishing for eligible homes inside the airport’s highest-noise (65 DNL) zone (Lambert noise summary). That does not mean the noise is gone. Visit a rental at a busy flight time, with the windows closed and then open, before you sign.

Major employers within a short commute

The jobs are next door. Boeing posts jobs located in Berkeley, and its St. Louis site became the headquarters of Boeing Defense, Space & Security in February 2026. Lambert Airport is next door, and the city’s NorthPark business park covers 550 acres of office, retail and industrial space east of the airport at I-70 and I-170. Christian Hospital is a short drive north.

Schools

Most of Berkeley is in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, which runs Berkeley Intermediate School and the STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High. The city also lists the Hazelwood School District for part of town (city resident services), so confirm the school for any address with the district.

Utilities and groceries

The city lists Ameren electric, Spire gas, Missouri American Water, and MSD sewer (resident services; our utility setup guide covers the calls). Trash is the landlord’s bill: city code makes property owners pay for collection by the city’s hauler, Republic Services (§235.015), so it should not appear on your bill. If a lease tries to pass trash to you, ask the landlord about it before you sign. City code also requires water, sewer, electric and gas to stay on for as long as you live there (§500.165). For groceries, the closest full stores are Schnucks Ferguson (49 Florissant Rd.) and Schnucks Westfall Plaza (8037 West Florissant Ave.).

What applications expect

Managed properties use the usual 3×-the-rent income rule (see how much income you need). Private landlords tend to weigh paid-rent history and steady deposits more. In Berkeley, though, the landlord’s record matters as much as yours. Before you pay an application fee, ask whether the home has passed its city inspection and whether the landlord is current with the city. Read our scam guide before sending money to any private landlord.