Living in San Francisco 2013-2014

15 Pages·2013·1.13 MB·English

Living in

San Francisco

2013-2014

San Francisco Art Institute
800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
415.771.7020
www.sfai.edu

Student Affairs Office
415.749.4525
[email protected]
www.sfai.edu/housing-and-residential-life

SFAI assumes no responsibility for accommodations or services listed within this guide.
The information contained within this publication is subject to change.
1

parking averages around $25 per night. As with an employment résumé, you
Welcome to San Francisco!
Space is somewhat limited and tends to should focus on the positive and let the
fill up fast with international students landlord know you will be a conscientious
and travelers. Linens and towels are not tenant. If two people are looking for a
usually provided, so plan accordingly. place together, the résumé should include
1 Planning Ahead
information about both of them. Also,
Several hotels in the city provide weekly make sure your phone number is listed in
2 When You Arrive
and monthly rates and provide linens, a prominent place.
towels, and sometimes maid service.
3 Short-Term Housing Options
Residences, which are similar to For a free credit report, visit
dormitories, also offer weekly and www.freecreditreport.com or
4 Before You Start Searching
monthly rates with the added benefit of www.annualcreditreport.com. For a
dining and kitchen facilities. As with small fee, you can also contact the credit
5 Where to Look
hostels, residences tend to fill up quickly reporting agencies directly: Experian
so it is advantageous to book your (888.397.3742), Equifax Options
6 When You Find a Place
reservation early. To be on the safe side, (800.829.4577), or Trans Union
reserve your space for 2–3 weeks if (800.322.8228). Otherwise, you can wait
7 Neighborhoods
possible. This will give you a home base until you arrive in San Francisco and get a
from which to begin your housing search. credit report through a roommate- or
apartment-listing agency.
San Francisco Art Institute students have the best of both worlds— independent, See pg. 3 for a list of short-term housing

real-life experience in the city and SFAI as the hub of their creative and social life. options.
SFAI is not only where you attend classes–it is where students come to immerse Many times the information on a
themselves in art. In fact, most students will arrive in the morning and then stay all ARRIVE EARLY credit report is inaccurate, so review it
carefully. If you find an error, contact
day and into the evening. SFAI is open 24 hours a day. At any time of the day or
If possible, allow yourself a minimum of
the credit-reporting agency
night, students might be involved in discussions, working in the studios,
one month to locate permanent
immediately and have the issue
collaborating on projects or exhibitions, or just hanging out.
housing. Of course, you may not need
addressed before you present the
that much time to find something. It report to a prospective landlord.
Now that you’re planning to move to San Francisco, you are encouraged to could be as soon as one week or as long

consider the realities of the competitive housing market in the San Francisco Bay as a couple of months. One month

Area. It takes time, planning and perseverance to find housing that meets your should provide you with a reasonable
individual needs. amount of time to locate a permanent
You should plan ahead to ensure that you have a temporary place to stay when place to live.
you get here. Once here, it is important to establish a strategy. This housing guide
directs you through the process of finding a suitable place to live. If you do some
preliminary research before arriving in San Francisco and follow the steps COME PREPARED

suggested, your experience will be a positive one.
You will need a credit report if you

intend to look for your own place and to
Planning Ahead sign a lease. However, if you intend to
search only for a shared apartment or
flat, a rental résumé should be sufficient.
RESERVE A PLACE TO STAY Rental résumés combine your

employment history and tenant history,
If you are coming to San Francisco from outside the Bay Area, we recommend that
and include your financial information
you make a reservation at a hotel, youth hostel, or residence before you arrive.
and references.
Hostels are usually the cheapest alternative, averaging $29 to $130 per night. Also
2

THE APARTMENT HUNTER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE comfortable living including the diversity creating a portfolio or renters packet. This
of the neighborhood and the amount of will include a letter about yourself with

foot traffic in the area. Reading can only pictures and why you are a reliable
Please read before starting your apartment search in SF!
get you so far though, so walk around renter. It will have your credit score listed

the areas you are interested in when you and employment profile showing you can
The search for an apartment in San Francisco and the bay area can at first be a
arrive and explore different listings to afford to pay the cost of housing for your
daunting one. Despite its high prices and competitive markets, SF has never been
compare locations. location. You should also have potential
more desirable due to the boom of the startup industry. With a little guidance,
first and last month’s rent and deposit
however, it is possible to find housing that fits your budget, and that’s just what this
3. MAKE FRIENDS WITH CRAIGSLIST ready before you see apartments. Many
guide is designed to do. After making our way through the waves of apartment
It may seem simple enough but every candidates can offer on the spot and if
hunting tips we have compiled the 5 areas hunters repeatedly say you need to be
apartment hunting guide includes a you need time to get funds it can mean
prepared for. This is a great take away page but each area will be explained in
detailed section on craigslist and its someone else takes your place.
more detail throughout this guide.
benefits. Making the site work for you is

the key. You want to check the site 5. SELL YOURSELF
Remember: Treat your apartment search like a job search. Go in prepared,
every day and research has shown most This is where the job interview kicks in.
dressed for the position, and ready to say yes if the right offer comes along. The SF
listings are posted between 10am and Dress professionally for all open houses
apartment market isn’t impossible but it is competitive, so make sure you give
4pm. This is usually the time when most and meetings with renters. Promote your
yourself every advantage before you walk into those apartment doors. Persistence
searchers are at work so check during safe renting qualities including past rental
is the key: keep checking, keep searching, and keep calling.
these rush times. Also most listings last an experiences, employment and credit

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH average of 10 days, in demand scores. Also get to know your landlord and
Before you arrive in SF think about everything you would want in your ideal place neighborhoods last less than a week, so ask who they want as an ideal candidate
to live. Then think about the most minimal accommodations you could live with. you must be quick and have everything and show them how you match those
Then prepare for something in the middle. Things like carpet or hardwood floors, ready when an opportunity arises. Many qualities. Selling yourself can be over the
appliances, square footage, roommates, furniture, deposit amounts, utilities, lease times you will be in a candidate pool of phone on cold calls, online in email
lengths, noise levels, wall colors, neighborhood amenities are just a few of the things over 30 renters replying to most posts so responses, or in person. Have your packets
you should already have in mind before you even book your flight. All of these also post advertisements that you are ready and supply them to anyone
considerations also increase and decrease the cost of your rent so be ready to say looking and what you are looking for. interested in you as a tenant. Finally be
what you can and can live without. Be ready for a long search process, likely one You can search craigslist using the map ready to make the deal. A lease is a
that will require you to attend several open houses or meet several landlords before feature and find housing in your desired commitment so those who are ready have
you find the best place for you. This might mean finding temporary housing neighborhood. Lastly use keyword the best chance of finding their perfect
through services like airbnb until you can snag that perfect landing spot (we have searches like “view” “utilities” “pet apartment.
recommendations for short-term accommodations on pages 4 and 5 below). It’s also friendly” to narrow your searches.
Get the real scoop:
a good idea to prepare a budget of what your entire housing cost will be and take Also be aware of potential scam ads,
into account all aspects of living in SF including cost of living, not just your rent. never pay anything without meeting in Seek out advice and reviews from San
person and never pay any app fees Francisco residents that have gone
2. TRANSPORTATION AND LOCATION
without meeting with a landlord first. through the process. Use websites like
These two areas are key when moving into a new city. Transportation to and from
https://www.padmapper.com/ to research
school should be taken into consideration and added to your expected budget. The
4. GET PREPARED areas and locations, www.walkscore.com
cost of BART and Muni can vary depending on location. Amenities such as parking
Now that you have an idea of your to get an idea for travel and commutes
spaces should be considered if you are bringing a vehicle (please note that SF is not
place, you have called some listings and on foot, and blog sites like
the most car-friendly city if you don’t have a designated parking space). Location is
are ready to view apartments it’s time thebolditalic.com or blog.livelovely.com
also just as important to your search. The districts in SF vary widely and will increase
to get prepared. Most hunters advise for real locals’ views on renting in the city.
or decrease the cost of your expected rent. Think about where you would feel
3

GET A MOBILE PHONE
Some East Bay neighborhoods also require permits— MUNI
As you begin to make contact with potential ask your prospective landlord. A California driver’s
landlords or roommates, it is important to have a license with the address of your rental on it is required BART connects to Muni, a comprehensive system of
number for them to reach you. Timeliness is an for the permit. buses that run throughout the city. Transfer from BART
essential part of the search; if you are out of contact, to Muni at select SF stations by purchasing a transfer
you may lose a place. Consider getting a mobile When You Arrive pass. For more information visit www.sfmuni.com.
phone when you arrive if you don’t already have

one. The major phone carriers are Sprint, Verizon, AIRPORT SHUTTLES Clipper Card
AT&T, and T-Mobile, search these carriers to find
locations to buy cell phones in SF. You can also There are several shuttle companies that go to San The clipper card is the service public transportation
search for temporary go phones which you can use Francisco and the East Bay from the San Francisco riders use to pay for MUNI and BART services. The
until you sign a larger contact with one of the International Airport (SFO) and Oakland card acts as a way to hold cash so riders don’t have to
companies mentioned above International Airport. Their prices range from $10 to use cash or buy tickets for each ride. The reader is
$60. Shuttles are more direct and faster than buses, available on each transportation type. Visit
DO SOME RESEARCH and they drop you off downtown near hotels, at www.clippercard.com to look into where to buy the

Check out some housing listings online before visiting. BART, Muni, or directly at your residence. card and signing up for an unlimited monthly pass
once the card is registered.
See pg. 5 for a list of websites and agencies.
SUPER SHUTTLE
LEAVE FIDO AT HOME www.supershuttle.com SAMTRANS BUS EXPRESS SERVICE
800.258.3826
While you are staying in a temporary facility and AIRPORT EXPRESS Every 30 minutes a SamTrans bus leaves from
looking for a permanent place to live, it is important www.airportexpresssf.com SFO. Use bus 292 if you have luggage; Express Bus Kx
that you leave any pets at home. Most short-term 415.775.5121 if you only have carry-ons. Both of these buses serve
housing options do not allow pets. Also, it is more LORRIE'S AIRPORT SHUTTLE the Trans Bay Terminal at 1st and Mission Streets.
difficult to find landlords who accept pets. www.gosfovan.com Bus Bx runs from Colma Bart station to the airport
415.334.9000 every 15 minutes.
CARS AMERICAN AIRPORTER SHUTTLE Information: 800.660.4287

www.airportservice.com www.samtrans.org
We strongly suggest that students abstain from
415-202-0733
bringing cars to SF. Parking on the street is difficult
DOOR TO DOOR AIRPORT EXPRESS
throughout SF and most rentals do not come with a
415-775-5121
parking space or garage. There is no student
www.airportexpresssf.com
parking on campus and adjacent street parking is
SAN FRANCISCO CITY SHUTTLE
restricted to two hours, with a $60 ticket for
http://www.sanfranciscocityshuttle.com/
violations. There are several cooperative car services
415-822-2648
in SF such as CityCarShare (www.citycarshare.org),
BAYPORTER EXPRESS
or ZipCar (www.zipcar.com/) which offer hybrid or
www.bayporter.com
fuel- efficient cars that you can use as needed. If you
415-467-1800
decide to bring your car and a parking space is not
included in your rental, ask the landlord if you need
a residential parking permit to park on the street. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT (BART)
For inquiries regarding residential parking permits,
contact The San Francisco Municipal Transportation BART trains connect directly from SFO and via
Agency at 415.701.4500, or http://www.sfmta.com/ shuttle from Oakland airport throughout the Bay
area; it costs less than a shuttle. Visit www.bart.gov
4

the coliseum BART station. Board the northbound amenities may include wake-up calls and message
TAXICABS BART train, paying an additional fare of around services, television lounge, reading room and library,
$3.85. Each passenger must have his or her own and coin-operated laundry. Each residence below has
If you have a lot of luggage, you may want to take ticket. You should board any train marked a website that lists its specific amenities and rooms,
“SF”(San Francisco), “Daly City,” or “Millbrae.”
a taxicab. Many taxicabs do not accept credit cards; along with rates ranging from weekly to monthly.

if you intend to charge your fare, inquire before
selecting a cab. You can catch taxis outside of the Short-Term Housing USA Student Residences
airport baggage claim. www.usastudentresidences.com/
Options
711 Post Street
From SFO to downtown San Francisco, fares range San Francisco, CA 94109
from $50 to $60. 415.440.5600
If you don’t have friends or family in the Bay Area to

stay with when you first arrive, you have a range of
Taxi Apps Kenmore Residence Club
accommodations to choose from depending on your
www.kenmorehotelsf.com/
budget. Listed below are several of San Francisco's
Cellphone users can use taxi apps to hail taxis if they 1570 Sutter Street
best hostels based on quality and price. There are
are having trouble tracking one down. Some require San Francisco, CA 94109
numerous hostels throughout the city, some of which
users to register while some are free to use. Some 415.776.5815
have websites and can be found online.
popular services to search for in your app store are.

Uber, Hailo, Taxi Mojo, Get Taxi, and Taxi Magic. Monroe Residence Club
HOSTELS
www.monroeresidenceclub.com/
DeSoto Cab 415.970.1300 USA Hostels 1870 Sacramento Street
Luxor Cab 415.282.4141
http://usahostels.com/ San Francisco, CA 94109-3529
Yellow Cab Co.op 415.333.3333
711 Post Street 415.474.6200
San Francisco, CA 94109
LYFT
415.440.5600 The Cable Car Court
http://cablecarcourthotel.com/
This service is relatively new in SF, and their cars can
Hostelling International 1499 California Street (near Larkin)
be identified by the pink mustaches affixed to the
http://www.sfhostels.com/ San Francisco, CA 94109
front of their vehicles. It relies on regular drivers in SF
415.474.5721 415.346.5219
willing to use their cars as a taxi service and is all

handled through your debit card. Labeled as “your
Adelaide Hostel HOTELS
friend with a car” visit http://www.lyft.me/ to
http://www.adelaidehostel.com/
download the app.
5 Isadora Duncan Lane San Francisco has hundreds of hotels, some of which

San Francisco, CA 94102 offer extended-stay rates. For additional hotel
BAY AREA TRAVELER
1.877.359.1915 listings, an Internet search for a specific location in
INFORMATION HOTLINE
the city will provide numerous results for every price

Green Tortoise Hostel range. For additional hotel options near downtown
For detailed transportation information for the San
www.greentortoise.com/ check out the link on our website:
Francisco Bay area, call 511 from within San Francisco
494 Broadway Street http://www.sfai.edu/places-stay
or the East Bay. You can also check www.511.org.
San Francisco, CA 94133

415.834.1000 Park Hotel
FROM OAKLAND AIRPORT (OAK) www.paramounthotelsinc.com
RESIDENCES
325 Sutter Street

The Oakland International Airport is less crowded 415.956.0445
than SFO. Travel to San Francisco by exiting the air Residence clubs offer private rooms with maid service
terminal and catching a special AirBART shuttle to and some meals in a common dining room. Other
5

Before You Start Begin your search using the widest criteria
The Marina Motel possible. Start by visiting various neighborhoods
www.marinamotel.com/ Searching before narrowing your choices. Once you have
2576 Lombard Street narrowed down your choice of neighborhoods,
San Francisco, CA 94123 you should spend some time walking in them
CONSIDER YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
415.921.9406 and looking for “for rent” signs in windows. You

should note how far from campus the
Most people looking for housing in San Francisco
Holiday Inn-Fisherman’s Wharf use one of two approaches: either they share a neighborhood is and how long your commute
www.hifishermanswharf.com room or apartment or they look for a vacant will be. Also, take inventory of the kinds of
1300 Columbus Avenue place. When considering which would work best shops and restaurants that are in the
immediate area. Does it seem like a place
San Francisco, CA 94133 for you, it's important to first consider your rental
where you want to live?
1.800.942.7348 history and finances. Have you rented before and

do you have references? Do you have good

Hyatt-Fisherman’s Wharf credit? Can you afford to pay a security deposit
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
http://fishermanswharf.hyatt.com and both the first and last month’s rent? If the

555 North Point Street, answer to any of these questions is “no,” it may be
• Do I want to live alone or would I prefer to
San Francisco, CA 94133 better for you to look for a roommate or consider
share space and living expenses?
415.563.1234 having someone (a parent or a relative) co-sign
• What is the rental price range I can afford?
the lease on your behalf. When you move into a
• If utilities aren’t included, what will they cost?
Hotel Des Arts place that already has a tenant, it is less likely
• How close do I prefer to be to campus?
www.sfhoteldesarts.com/index.php that you will need to furnish a credit report or sign
• Do I prefer a furnished apartment?
447 Bush Street a lease. This is appealing if you do not want a
• What kind of neighborhood do I want to live in?
San Francisco, CA 94108 long-term commitment and if you have not
• How much time and money can I afford
415.956.3232 established good credit and/or rental history.
for transportation?

• What amenities are important to me?
San Remo Hotel With either option, it is strongly recommended (e.g. washer/dryer, parking, pets, etc.)
http://www.sanremohotel.com/ that you join a listing service; they have already

2237 Mason Street done much of the legwork for you. Note that
SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING A GOOD
San Francisco, California living with others can lower housing expenses.
ROOMMATE
415.776.8688 When calculating your financial means, be sure to

include the cost of renting or purchasing furniture Be honest and open about your needs and
(if needed) plus utilities. Treat the housing search concerns. Discuss your personal habits (smoking,
like a job search: be persistent, have your financial types of entertainment you prefer, how often you
situation in order, and be ready to pay on the have guests over, how you spend your time at
spot. home), and talk candidly about your schedule:
Are you a night owl? Will you be working late?
KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD Do you get up early? Finally, make sure you talk
about how utilities are divided (gas and
Landlords use the following rule: your take- electricity, cable, etc.), what the average costs
home income (not your gross) should be at least are, and how common space is used/shared. Be
three times your rent. If you will be receiving prepared to advertise yourself much like an
financial aid, you may want to submit a copy of online dating profile. Sites like
your award letter as proof you can afford the http://roommmates.com/ are a good start. Don’t
rent. If your parent/family has better credit and be surprised if you’re invited to interview with
more substantial income than you, you might potential roommates, attend social parties with
consider having them co-sign the lease. other candidates or even test run nights in the
6

apartment. Just be yourself, and the roommate *Be careful of descriptive words like “Vintage” This is a google street
you would want to have. which can mean old or outdated, “Cozy” which view site with housing in
can mean very small and lack of space for any mind, the best place to
TYPES OF RENTALS of your items, and “great for roommates” start to get a visual of
which can mean several rooms are converted SF housing.
to bedrooms instead of actual bedrooms. Also
APARTMENT www.rentometer.com
neighborhood descriptions like “vibrant” can
Several units in the same building with a Check market rates for
common entrance, each having at least one mean high foot traffic and more youth apartment types and
bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. inhabitants.
locations.

EFFICIENCY APARTMENT Where to Look www.padmapper.com
Smaller than a studio, kitchen is usually very An all-inclusive housing search tool. Use if you
small or part of the living area. have specifics about your housing search ready.
SFAI HOUSING BOARD
OTHER SF SCHOOLS
FURNISHED APARTMENT New and current students can subscribe to this

Rental that includes basic furniture, such as a free housing-information board. The board Two of the larger schools in the Bay Area post
bed, dresser, sofa, etc. allows members to send and to receive new and housing listings to their websites. There is no fee
archived information on housing—whether it be to look at listings. This is a great place to begin
JR. ONE BEDROOM to all members or to a single person. It is most your search, as they have listings with students
A studio apartment with a sleeping active at the beginning and at the end of each in mind. www.usfca.edu/offcampushousing/
alcove. semester when current and new students are http://www.sfsu.edu/~housing/offcampus/off-
looking for housing. This is also a good place to campusResources.html
LOFT find potential roommates who are also SFAI
Large open combined studio and living students. You can access the Housing Board at: SF FREE WEEKLIES

space, usually in a converted warehouse http://groups.google.com/group/sfai-housing
SF Bay Guardian www.sfbg.com
building; may have private or shared
SF Weekly www.sfweekly.com
kitchen and bathroom. SEARCHING THE INTERNET
East Bay Express www.eastbayexpress.com

SHARE Free internet access is available at SFAI's 800
The print versions come out on Wednesday or
Situation in which you become a roommate Chestnut Street campus in the Library and in
Thursday and can be found at corner stores,
in an apartment or flat that is already the Student Affairs Office, and much of the
markets, and newspaper dispensers.
rented. campus has free wireless access as well. The

following websites offer listings of both vacant
WORD OF MOUTH
STUDIO and shared housing options as well as sublets:

Three-room unit consisting of a combined www.craigslist.org www.sf4rent.com Once you are in the city, make it known to
living room and bedroom, a kitchen, and a www.apartmentsource.com fellow students and acquaintances that you
bathroom. www.rentalguide.com are looking for housing. Having as many
www.metrorent.com networks as possible can benefit you in the
SUBLET www.sfrent.net long run.
Apartment/studio/room that has been vacated www.citiapartments.com
for a designated period of time, sometimes COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARDS
www.apartmentratings.com
furnished. You should be clear as to the
Once you select a neighborhood, visit the local
stipulations before you move in so that you www.housingmaps.com
grocery, corner store, and Laundromat to
know how long you can stay before you must Search by area and
check out their bulletin boards. One good
look for another place. apartment type.
place to try is Rainbow Grocery, located at

www.mapjack.com 1745 Folsom Street, 415.863.0620.
7

most are not willing to work for less the $2,000

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' COOPERATIVE per month budget so be mindful these are not for
ASSOCIATION (USCA) modest budgets. If you are looking for a vacant
apartment or a flat, property management
USCA is a private, nonprofit housing alternative in services are good sources for supplementing your
Berkeley owned and operated by its student search. These services generally have an
members. As a student enrolled in nine or more units information line that lists available properties
at SFAI you are eligible to apply for space in the co- with information on how to view the units.
op, but SFAI does not manage this housing option. Sometimes you will have to make an
Fees are around $3,000 per semester, depending on appointment to view a unit; other times
the facility and rates are subject to change. There is a you can simply pick up a key from their office with
$60 application fee, $50 of which is refundable if you a refundable key deposit.
choose not to live in the co-op. If you choose to live in
the co- op, BART can get you to San Francisco within Better Property Management
30 minutes, with an additional 15-minute bus ride to www.bpm-re.com
the SFAI Chestnut Campus. For more information 2166 Market Street
and an application, contact USCA, 2424 Ridge Road, 415.861.9980
Berkeley, CA 94709; 510.848.1936,
http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/ Hill & Co. Real Estate
www.hill-co.com
AGENCIES 1880 Lombard Street
415.921.6000

San Francisco has a large number of apartment and
Trinity Management Services
roommate listing services. These services provide you
www.trinitymanagement.com
with listings of vacancies and shared housing. Upon
1188 Mission St., Box B
receiving the information, you can call landlords or
415.433.3333
tenants to set up appointments for viewing units or

meeting potential roommates. Agencies offer different

search strategies at different prices, but what it boils
Gaetani Real Estate
down to is that you pay a fee for the services provided.
www.gaetanirealestate.com
As a general rule, the more convenient the service is
4444 Geary Blvd. #100
for you, the greater the cost. For example, it costs more
San Francisco, CA 94118
if you opt to have daily listings faxed or emailed to
415.668.1202
you as opposed to visiting the business location in
person every day. When shopping for the agency that
best suits you, consider if they provide apartment
listings, listings from roommates in need of an
additional roommate, or both. Visit their web pages to
learn more about them.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Most property management services are free,
although some charge a fee. Many of these services
operate on a percentation of your future rent and
8

When You Find a Place • Damage to flooring and carpeting The landlord cannot evict you during the period of
• Damage to furnishings and window coverings the lease except for certain reasons, such as failure to
• Broken appliances pay rent or damaging the property. A lease may be
INSPECTING THE PROPERTY • Bugs or rodents difficult for you to break, especially if the landlord
• Make sure the doors and windows are secure and cannot find another tenant to take over the lease.
When viewing a rental unit, be prepared to inspect locks work Before you sign any lease agreement, read it
for problems or damages. Take note of how well the carefully and make sure you understand the terms of
property has been cared for and how the landlord RENTAL AGREEMENT the lease. If you have questions about any conditions
responds to your questions, concerns, or requirements. in the lease, take the document to someone who is
If the law requires the landlord to repair the You and your landlord will enter into a lease or a qualified to give legal advice.
problems, inquire when the landlord intends to make periodic rental agreement (month-to-month). Unless
the repairs. If the landlord is not required to make the written agreement states otherwise, the rental The rental agreement should contain the following:
the repairs, write a detailed description of the period is the amount of time between rental • Period of tenancy
problems and ask the landlord to sign the description. payments. The tenancy expires at the end of each • Due date for rent
If possible, take photographs. By doing this, you will period for which rent has been paid and is renewed • Late charges and fees
document the fact that the problems were there with the next payment of rent. In a periodic rental • Whether or not pets are allowed
when you moved in. In addition, after you move agreement, your tenancy expires at the end of the • The number of tenants allowed
from the rental unit, the signed written description month; you renew your tenancy with the payment • Included utilities
and any supporting photographs will help reduce of rent. The rental agreement will spell out the • Whether or not extermination is part of regular
disputes over the landlord using the security deposit amount of time that a landlord must give the maintenance
to repair these problems. tenant for such changes as raising the rent or ending • Whether or not a security deposit is required
the rental agreement. Likewise, the rental • Security deposit amount
• Ask about the number of immediate neighbors in agreement will indicate the required length of notice • Persons responsible for maintenance and repairs
the building. Are they noisy? that the tenant must give before moving out. The
• Inquire if there are rodent or pest problems length of time between your required rent payments Never sign an agreement if you do not understand
• Do they accept pets? is important, as generally it determines the required the terms or conditions or if you think a term or
• Check the condition of kitchen appliances and for length of notice a landlord must give you before condition is unfair. You may wish to discuss the
leaks in the bathroom raising the rent, changing other terms of tenancy, agreement with an attorney or legal aid service
• Ask about maintenance upkeep lawfully ending the rental agreement, or how much prior to signing. Always ask for a copy of the
• Are laundry facilities available? notice you must give the landlord before moving completed agreement after you and the landlord
• Is parking easy? out. have signed, and keep the copy in a safe place.
• Check for the number of electrical outlets /
grounded plugs and fire extinguishers / smoke A lease usually creates a longer rental term than a DEPOSITING MONEY TO HOLD A
alarms periodic rental agreement. Most residential leases RENTAL
• Is there accessible lighting inside and outside the are for six months to a year, even though rent

entrance? usually is paid monthly. If you have a lease, your If you agree to rent an apartment but are not going
• Are there sufficient locks on the windows and rent cannot be raised while the lease is in effect, to move in immediately, the landlord may ask you
unless the agreement provides for such an increase.
doors? for a holding deposit. This is a cash deposit to hold
• Visit the neighborhood both in the day and in the the unit, usually for a stated amount of time, until
evening to determine whether you feel safe you pay the first month's rent and any security
deposits. If you change your mind about moving in,
THINGS TO LOOK FOR: the landlord may be able to keep your deposit. Ask
• Cracks in the walls the following questions before paying any deposit:
• Leaks
• Improper ventilation and lighting
• Defects in wiring and fixtures
9

• If I decide to rent the unit, will the holding
deposit be applied to the first month's rent?
• May I have a deposit receipt?
• Is any part of the holding deposit refundable if I
change my mind about renting?

As a general rule, if you change your mind (for
whatever reason), none of the deposit is refunded. If
you and the landlord agree that all or part of the
deposit will be refunded, make sure that these
terms are in writing.

TENANT’S RIGHTS

Your status as a tenant affords you certain rights.
There are certain things that a landlord cannot do:

• Evict you without first going to court
• Turn off your utilities or services
• Lock you out of your apartment or house
• Harass you
• Enter your apartment without your permission

A landlord may ask about information that reflects

your ability to pay rent; however, combined federal,

state, and local laws prevent landlords from

discriminating against classes of people because of
LEASE SIGNING CHECKLIST LEASE SIGNING CHECKLIST:
race, gender, etc. Questions or concerns about
 Rent
discrimination should be directed to the State of
Before you commit to renting a housing unit, you  Amount
California’s Fair Employment and Housing
should clearly understand the responsibilities involved  Due date
Department at 1.800.223.3212 or www.dfeh.ca.gov.
with each of the following terms. They should be  Penalty for late payment
explicitly identified in your lease. Compare any lease  Reduction for advance payment
For laws, advice, arbitration, and information in
you are considering signing with applicable tenant-  Price changes
regard to renter’s rights, write or call San Francisco
landlord laws. As you are reading through your lease,  Conditions for price changes
Rent Board, 25 Van Ness Avenue, #320, San
make sure the following items are addressed within
 Security/damage deposit
Francisco, CA 94102; 415.252.4602 or visit
the document. If some things are not addressed, be -Amount
www.sfrb.org. If your unit falls under the protection
sure to ask the landlord about his or her policy
-Conditions for return
of rent control, you may call the Rent Board and file
regarding these items. You may also request that
-Date for return
a petition. Other helpful resources in San Francisco
such items be added to the lease.

include San Francisco Small Claims Court, Building
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Inspector, San Francisco Housing Inspection Division,

and the San Francisco Health Department.
• Planned improvements/special work
• Property owner name and address
• Name and address of property manager