Relocating to Alameda, CA from India (San Francisco, Oakland: apartments, lease, tenants)

[protocol96]

Hello everyone,

We are a family of 4, myself with a wife and two lovely daughters (5yrs and 3.5 yrs). I will be here in US from October and looking to call my family in December.

My office will be in Downtown Oakland. I have narrowed down to Point Alameda, Ballena or Neptune Apartment (1380 Ballena Blvd) since it is next to William G. Paden Elementary School. Not sure if the school lottery applies only to SF or Alameda as well. I have been told that I would need some residential proof before I apply for the school. I might look at Walnut Creek as well but my primary goal is to live very near to school and with 1 hours public transportation commute to office.

Can I apply to these apartments before I reach US so that I have an accommodation already?

My office is pretty small with no HR and we have never done this so I am not sure who to reach out for basic questions.

[Chuck5000]

I see nobody is responding - my guess, it's just a guess, is 'no', they will not accept an application to an apartment from someone not able to show up in person and produce evidence of US assets, including bank accounts. The exception might be for very wealthy individuals with proof of significant assets (bank accounts.).

This is in my experience in San Francisco and San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, where there is heavy demand for apartments; they want proof of income and assets, and they want you to have a verifiable history. When a property owner or manager has many possible tenants to choose from, they'll choose the ones who appear to be the most stable and predictable. However you may be able to find exceptions.

Good luck - can't say I'd choose move to the SF Bay Area from outside the USA in 2017, but there's always some opportunity.

[protocol96]

Thanks for your response Chuck. Any clue, how far in the past do they require these info?

The move is more for social reasons than economical. I have read about gentrification but between my two most viable options it seems to be a better choice.

[Maceart]

You're better off securing a place to live on Craigslist (sign short term lease, or at least until you get settled in at work).

Then you can apply for those apartments.