As a city surrounded by water on three sides, San Francisco’s real estate is limited by the same geography that makes it such an appealing destination. Finding accommodation in San Francisco is one of the biggest hurdles new arrivals face when moving to the city. With the rise of Silicon Valley and the influx of techies from all over the world, the cost of accommodation has become significant.
That said, there are many housing options in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, where newcomers can opt for an apartment or house within a short distance of the thriving metropolis itself and get to work via an easy commute.
Areas and suburbs in San Francisco
Areas and suburbs in San Francisco are as varied as the city's residents. The cost of rent in San Francisco varies considerably between neighbourhoods. New arrivals on a tight budget should avoid affluent parts of the city, such as Sea Cliff and Pacific Heights, and instead look for more affordable housing in areas like Inner Sunset or in nearby towns such as Novato or Walnut Creek. Those after a dynamic lifestyle are spoilt for choice – South of Market, or SoMa, stands out as a trendy neighbourhood for young professionals.
Cost is important, but other factors to consider when choosing where to search for a home in San Francisco include access to public transport and road links, distance from schools and work, facilities available in the area, and safety.
Areas and Suburbs in San Francisco
Types of accommodation in San Francisco
When relocating to San Francisco, you'll have a variety of accommodation options at your disposal. The compact nature of the city has given rise to apartment buildings and divided houses rather than freestanding houses. Detached houses are available in certain parts of the city, but they can be difficult to find and are usually more expensive than apartments.
Most new arrivals in San Francisco prefer renting rather than buying property. Nevertheless, buying may be a viable option for those planning on settling down in the city, since mortgage payments are sometimes less than what you would spend on the equivalent monthly rent.
Finding accommodation in San Francisco
After deciding on a suitable neighbourhood, the best place to begin the search for a place to stay is online. Forums, social networks, property websites, and community groups are all popular ways of finding accommodation in San Francisco. Of course, house hunters can also drive or walk around an appealing neighbourhood looking for 'For Rent' signs. If you're already in the city, this can be a fun and practical way to get to know the area.
Enlisting the services of a real estate agency is a good idea if you don't yet have many connections in the city. Agents are usually area specific and have intimate knowledge of the property market in their neighbourhood. If you're using a relocation company to move to San Francisco, check if your provider offers house-hunting in addition to regular shipping and packing services – these companies can help streamline your move and help eliminate much of the stress associated with finding a place to stay in San Francisco.
Useful links
Renting accommodation in San Francisco
When you find a property you like in San Francisco, act fast. The rental market in the city is competitive, and accommodation is often snapped up shortly after being advertised.
Making an application
In San Francisco, you'll need to complete a rental application that includes proof of income and identification. Landlords often conduct background checks covering credit, rental, and employment history, as well as criminal records. Application fees in California cover these checks and are capped. Once the application is approved, you can proceed to negotiate and sign the lease agreement.
Leases
Leases in the City by the Bay are commonly set for 12 months, though shorter or month-to-month agreements are also widely available. Tenants should pay close attention to the terms of their lease, especially regarding rent control provisions and rules for early termination, as these are subject to California and San Francisco regulations. It's a good idea to invest in renters' insurance to cover accidental damage or theft, although it isn't required by law.
Deposits and fees
Landlords in San Francisco typically require a security deposit, with California law capping the amount at two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished ones. Deductions from the deposit can only be made for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs necessary to restore the unit to its original condition. The balance of your deposit should be returned within 21 days of moving out.
Terminating the lease
Tenants who break a lease early may be held responsible for unpaid rent and certain costs in San Francisco, but California law requires landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit rather than simply charging the tenant for the remainder of the lease. You'll need to provide proper written notice when ending a tenancy, with the required notice period depending on your specific lease.
Utilities in San Francisco
Unless otherwise stated in your rental agreement, you should assume that utilities in San Francisco aren't included in the rental cost.
Gas and electricity
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) provides gas and electricity in San Francisco. Their website allows customers to sign up for service and pay their bills online. There are several different rate plans to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. It's also possible to set up an automatic monthly payment through the PG&E website using a credit card, debit card, or a bank account.
Water and sewerage
San Francisco Water Power Sewer (SFWPS), also known as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, provides water and sewerage services. To start using their services, you can call the number on their website or set up an account online. A number of personal details are needed to initiate service, and a deposit equal to twice the estimated monthly water and sewerage cost, with a minimum of USD 50, must be paid. The deposit is refunded after a year of regular payments.
Bins and recycling
Rubbish removal and recycling in San Francisco is managed by Recology. To have your rubbish collected, simply put it outside on collection day. To find out what day rubbish is collected, view Recology's collection calendar online. Bills for rubbish collection can also be paid on the Recology website.