Prospective Students
Searching Tips
- Timing: Start looking early, and give yourself at least 30 days to find housing. When you see a "for rent" sign, be prepared to go to the nearest public telephone, and call the landlord. "Being in the right place at the right time" applies to the housing search as well as to other searches!
- Make an appointment: Landlords typically require prospective tenants to schedule an appointment to view the property. Arriving on schedule will help to make a positive impression as well as to compete with other prospective tenants.
- Be Presentable: Landlords want to rent to people who "look" as if they would make good tenants. Proper attire may improve your chances when there are several applicants competing for the same housing unit.
- Be persistent: A landlord may tell you that he or she "will get back to you" after reviewing the applications of prospective tenants. Check back and remind the landlord that you are very interested in his or her unit.
- Carry your Checkbook: Because San Francisco is a "landlord's market," be prepared to pay rent the day you inspect a place as most landlords are not inclined to "hold" rentals for tenants. If you find a place you like, be prepared to pay (a) a deposit to hold the unit, (b) an application fee, or (c) move-in fees, such as first month's rent and security deposit. Ask for a receipt for all money paid to a landlord.
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Before you begin your housing search, familiarized yourself with the terminology often used by landlords in describing their units:
- Flat: An entire floor in an older building with a private entrance
- Apartment: Several units on the same floor with a common entrance
- Jr. One-Bedroom Apartment: Studio apartment with a sleeping alcove
- Garden or In-law Apartment: Often a small one-bedroom unit, locating on the ground floor of a small apartment building or single-family home; unit could face a garden
- Studio Apartment: A three-room unit consisting of a combined living room and bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom
- Do you want privacy, or would you prefer to share space and living?
- What is the rental-price range you will consider, including utilities?
- How close do you prefer to be to campus?
- How much time and expense can you afford for transportation?
- Do you prefer a furnished apartment?
- What is the quality of the neighborhood?
- What amenities are important to you (e.g. washer, dryer, garage, etc.)?
- What's Your Budget?
