Before you sign a lease in SF, research the building thoroughly. A few hours of due diligence can save you from months of problems. Here's exactly what to check and where to find the information.
Start Your Research Here
Search any SF address on StreetSmart to see building information, history, and data in one place.
Search SF BuildingsStep 1: Check Building Violations & Complaints
SF Building Inspection maintains records of all complaints and violations:
SF Building Inspection (DBI)
Search for any building to see complaint history, permit records, and code violations.
sfdbi.org/building-inspection →- • Multiple complaints in a short period
- • Open/unresolved violations
- • Habitability issues (heat, plumbing, pests)
- • Emergency complaints
Step 2: Verify Rent Control Status
Whether a unit is rent-controlled affects your future rent increases and tenant protections:
SF Rent Board
Check if a unit is registered with the Rent Board and verify rent control status.
sf.gov/rent-board →- • Built before June 13, 1979
- • 2+ residential units
- • Not condo-converted or single-family home
Learn more about SF rent control →
Step 3: Check Property Ownership
Knowing who owns the building helps you understand who you're renting from:
SF Property Information Map
Look up ownership, property tax info, and assessment records for any property.
sfassessor.org →- • Recent ownership changes (potential instability)
- • LLC ownership (harder to research)
- • Multiple properties owned by same entity
Step 4: Research the Landlord
See if other tenants have had issues with this landlord:
- Google the landlord name + "reviews" — Check for patterns
- Yelp reviews — For property management companies
- Search SF Rent Board petitions — For landlord-tenant disputes
- Court records — Check for eviction lawsuits (landlord as plaintiff)
Step 5: Visit at Different Times
A building looks different at night than during the day:
Visit Checklist
During the Day
- • Natural light in the apartment
- • Noise levels from street/neighbors
- • Building common areas condition
- • Parking situation
At Night
- • Street lighting and safety
- • Noise from bars/restaurants
- • Parking availability
- • Overall neighborhood feel
Step 6: Talk to Current Tenants
If possible, chat with people who live in the building:
Questions to Ask Tenants
- • "How responsive is management to repairs?"
- • "Any issues with noise, pests, or building systems?"
- • "How long have you lived here?"
- • "Would you rent here again?"
- • "Anything I should know before moving in?"
Step 7: Check for Recent Permits
Recent construction or renovation permits can indicate improvements—or problems:
- Seismic retrofit — Good sign (safer building)
- Plumbing/electrical work — Could indicate ongoing issues
- New roof — Good sign
- Facade work — May have been scaffolding/noise recently
In-Person Walkthrough Checklist
When you visit, check these items carefully:
Inside the Unit
- ☐ Water pressure (run faucets)
- ☐ Hot water (wait for it to heat)
- ☐ All outlets work
- ☐ Windows open/close properly
- ☐ Heating works
- ☐ Signs of pests
- ☐ Water damage or mold
- ☐ Phone signal
Building Common Areas
- ☐ Entryway cleanliness
- ☐ Mailbox security
- ☐ Hallway lighting
- ☐ Stairway condition
- ☐ Laundry room (if any)
- ☐ Garbage/recycling area
- ☐ Garage/storage access
- ☐ Building security
Red Flags to Watch For
- Landlord won't let you see inside the unit
- Rushing you to sign
- Multiple open violations
- High tenant turnover
- Evasive answers about building history
- Price significantly below market
- No written lease