Securing an Apartment in San Francisco
The Best Tips for Securing an Apartment in San Francisco
It’s no secret that the San Francisco rental market has changed dramatically over the past couple of years. Previously rundown neighborhoods are now local hotspots, rent has skyrocketed, and securing an apartment in San Francisco is like being on an episode of Survivor. Whether you’re just moving to the city or have been in San Francisco for a while, there’s no way to slice it— moving to and securing an apartment in San Francisco is going to be tough. In this survival of the fittest situation, a few savvy tips will help you claim a spot at the top of the rental market and secure a San Francisco apartment you can feel good coming home to.Research San Francisco Neighborhoods
In San Francisco, one neighborhood is not like the other. Since the rental market has shifted so quickly and is under constant change, be sure to do some thorough research on all of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. A neighborhood you wouldn’t dream of living in a year ago could now be your ideal home. On the flip side, some of the more desirable neighborhoods, like the Fillmore Jazz District, now feature apartment rentals at lower ends of the rental market prices. The good news is that no matter which neighborhood you decide on, there are excellent San Francisco moving companies that will make your move easy and stress-free. From the forests of the Presidio to the sloping hills of North Beach, a good moving company in San Francisco will have you covered.Where to Find San Francisco Apartment Rentals
One of the secrets to finding an apartment in San Francisco is knowing where to look. It seems like everyone is jumping on the Airbnb bandwagon these days, but good old-fashioned Craigslist is still your best bet. San Francisco apartments listed on Craigslist typically have lower rent prices and there’s more variety. You can post your own listing, too, advertising that you are looking for an apartment in San Francisco. That way you have an easy link to share if people want more information about what you’re looking for in an apartment. That said, it’s best not to put all your eggs in one basket. Other places to look include sites like ApartmentList, Zillow, and Roommates. Personal networking is also very efficient. Look to social media networks, like Facebook, to find groups that can help you secure an apartment in San Francisco. For example, the Bay Area Rooms and Apartments group on Facebook has tons of success stories.Roommates in San Francisco… Yay or Nay?
If you haven’t yet seen the rental prices for apartments in San Francisco, brace yourself before you look or risk fainting from shock. High rental prices are causing many renters to team up or look into existing roommate options when trying to secure an apartment in San Francisco. The bonus of moving into a place that has existing roommates is that sometimes the apartment is rent-controlled, so you can get a much better rate and also not have to worry about your rent increasing by an astronomical amount a year after you move in. Renting an apartment in San Francisco by yourself is an option, too, of course. The bonus here is that you only have to impress the landlord, not both the landlord and the roommates. However, be prepared to go through an extensive application process. Once you’ve decided whether you want roommates or are going it solo, you’ll be able to plan ahead for the next steps.Have All Your Ducks in a Row
One of the main reasons people have trouble securing an apartment in San Francisco is due to not having all of the apartment application requirements in order. To make your San Francisco apartment application stands out against all the rest, include these key items:A professional cover letter. Landlords and roommates want to know that the person they’re renting to is responsible and professional. Your cover letter should include a few important details about yourself, your job, why you’re looking for an apartment, and why you’re the ideal tenant.
A credit report. Having a good credit score is a golden ticket when securing an apartment in San Francisco. Have your credit report done ahead of time so you can hand it over promptly when asked for it. Time is of the essence if you are moving in San Francisco!
Good references. An arsenal of good rental references who will respond promptly and rave about your awesomeness as a tenant is usually what seals a rental apartment deal.
Money saved for the security deposit. The biggest expense of finding an apartment in San Francisco is the security deposit. Plan on having at least twice the rent saved for the deposit.
Time. Trying to find an apartment in San Francisco is like having an extra full-time job. Rental apartments get snatched up fast, some within a matter of hours of being listed. Be prepared to make time for apartment viewings, meetings with landlords, and sending out a billion applications and emails.