How Competitive is Renting in Oakland? (San Francisco: apartment, renters, house)

[Nonac]

To make a long story short, I'm moving to Oakland within the next six months. I've been to Oakland many times but had never lived there. I'm well aware that across the bay, San Francisco's rental market is crazy competitive. While I know that Oakland isn't as crazy, I can't help but think that many of those renters priced out of SF are looking to Oakland, therefore driving up the competition.

My question is: How competitive is renting in Oakland? Should I be expected to bid up the asking price by a hundred bucks like they do in SF? Is the rent negotiable? Are the places snapped up pretty quickly? Do I have time to look around and ponder my options or should I just jump on the first one that I like? Should I bring all documents to the open house and fill out the application right on the spot? Would things be less crazy in the winter?

My budget is $1,200 for a two bedrooms. I'm thinking of the nice, safe, and still relatively affordable areas like east of Lake Meritt, Laurel, Temescal, Maxwell Park, and Diamond. Do you guys think of those neighborhoods are safe? Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

[Nineties Flava]

Originally Posted by Nonac

To make a long story short, I'm moving to Oakland within the next six months. I've been to Oakland many times but had never lived there. I'm well aware that across the bay, San Francisco's rental market is crazy competitive. While I know that Oakland isn't as crazy, I can't help but think that many of those renters priced out of SF are looking to Oakland, therefore driving up the competition.

My question is: How competitive is renting in Oakland? Should I be expected to bid up the asking price by a hundred bucks like they do in SF? Is the rent negotiable? Are the places snapped up pretty quickly? Do I have time to look around and ponder my options or should I just jump on the first one that I like? Should I bring all documents to the open house and fill out the application right on the spot? Would things be less crazy in the winter?

My budget is $1,200 for a two bedrooms. I'm thinking of the nice, safe, and still relatively affordable areas like east of Lake Meritt, Laurel, Temescal, Maxwell Park, and Diamond. Do you guys think of those neighborhoods are safe? Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Out of those neighborhoods I would choose between Laurel and Dimond if having access to amenities and transportation is on your agenda. Renting can be competitive in Oakland but moreso closer to downtown... Laurel and Dimond are still relatively unknown to most people to it's less competitive and more sane.

[Nonac]

Originally Posted by Nineties Flava

Out of those neighborhoods I would choose between Laurel and Dimond if having access to amenities and transportation is on your agenda. Renting can be competitive in Oakland but moreso closer to downtown... Laurel and Dimond are still relatively unknown to most people to it's less competitive and more sane.

Thanks for the reply, Nineties Flava. I do prefer to be closer to downtown if possible. I think the takeaway is that if I'm looking in say, Cleveland Heights or Ivy Hill then I should expect a lot of competition and maybe I should overbid the asking rent price? Does anyone know if rent is negotiable in places like Laurel/Diamond?

Right now, I'm just want to get an idea about the rental culture in Oakland. It may turn out that I really like a place in Laurel/Diamond but in case I see something I like close to downtown, just want to be prepared. When you say Oakland can be competitive, how competitive is it? Is it anywhere near SF style crazy?

[mayorhaggar]

Shouldn't be as bad as SF. Go to a few apartment viewings and see how it is. If there's like 50 people lined up at the door 20 minutes before the viewing starts, it's as bad as SF. If you're the only one waiting in line, it should be easier.

[jade408]

Cheaper places tend to get snapped up quickly. There usually isn't a ton of competition, and sometimes the price can be negotiable. Be prepared to snap it up right away if you like it.