Need advice for renting when I don't live here yet

[uptown_urbanist]

If you want to apply for the apartment, you usually (although not always) have to pay the application fee. In some cases this means that the landlord is collecting potentially dozens of applications (and fees). It's a real racket. We shelled out a lot of money in application fees before giving up on the city and concentrating on the East Bay; we still put in applications (and paid fees) for place we didn't get there, but at least the odds were better that they'd actually LOOK at our application. If you visit a place and want to apply, you are best off putting in an application on the spot. Sometimes you can send it in the next day, but you should be prepared to hand over everything right there and then. Bring copies of everything, including your own credit report. There are still some landlords out there who don't charge application fees (or only charge a fee to people they are seriously considering), but we didn't encounter many of those.

If you see an ad for an open house with time listed, you can just go to it. Other times you'll call and make an appointment, and when you show up you'll realize that it's effectively an "open house by appointment" showing.

[AugustRN]

We moved to California 3 times from back East in the last 3 years. (Hopefully now here to stay). Once was to the central coast, the other two were in the East Bay. We have three small dogs.I am an RN and my husband is retired. I would look for sure at craigslist. We rented both our central coast and our home now in Pinole off craigslist, sight unseen except for pics, and fortunately..we were blessed with success. It became a task of checking out the landlord as much as they checked out us.

All three times we were grateful to have several options both single family homes and in complexes and in a variety of areas and rental prices. I think if you are able to take the suggestions already given and get a temp rental...extended stay sutie for example..it would afford you the chance to really look around and not be rushed..for about the same price as rent with utilities will cost you. As people have said, you will get a larger rental and more choices in the East Bay than in SF proper. I understand the allure of the amazing city though

The traffic was the hardest thing to get use to here so put that into your plan depending on where you will be working.

Good luck and enjoy your stay!