Renting and Leasing

As a newcomer to the Bay Area, you may want to familiarize yourself with different neighborhoods and regions before determining where to buy. Renting can provide you with the time to do more research and weigh your options.

In San Francisco, 65 percent of the city's residents are renters, and you’ll find the city is a landlord’s market with occupancy at approximately 97 percent. According to Rental Guide magazine and its website www.rentalguide.com, mid-to high-end condominium units, rather than apartments, dominate properties currently under construction in the Bay Area, and the inventory of apartments continues to be reduced by condominium conversions. These factors combined with a healthy job market and the high quality of Bay Area life, keep the demand for rentals high.

San Francisco’s Rent Ordinance regulates rents and evictions for certain residential rental units in San Francisco. There is no commercial rent control in San Francisco.

Apartment rentals range from $1,100 for a studio to upwards of $3,500 for select two bedrooms. Houses command higher rents, averaging from $2,000 to $6,500 per month depending on the amenities and location.

Relocating to San Francisco Featured Articles

Renting and Leasing