Renting your first apartment in San Francisco can feel overwhelming—especially in one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding costs to signing your lease.
What You'll Need
1. Money Saved
Before you start searching, you'll need cash available for:
Upfront Costs for a $3,000/month Apartment
2. Proof of Income
Most SF landlords require income of 2.5-3x the monthly rent. For a $3,000 apartment, that means:
- Annual income of $90,000-108,000
- Monthly gross income of $7,500-9,000
If you don't meet these requirements, you may need a guarantor or co-signer.
3. Good Credit
Landlords will run a credit check. In SF's competitive market:
- 720+ — Excellent, you'll qualify for most apartments
- 680-719 — Good, most landlords will accept
- Under 680 — May need a larger deposit or guarantor
- No credit history — Common for first-timers; a guarantor often helps
4. Required Documents
Documents Checklist
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number (for credit check)
- Recent pay stubs (2-3 months)
- Employment verification letter
- Bank statements (2-3 months)
- Tax returns (if self-employed)
- References (personal and/or professional)
Understanding SF Rental Costs
Monthly Rent Expectations
As of 2026, here's what to expect for monthly rent:
Security Deposits
In California, landlords can charge:
- Unfurnished apartments: Up to 2 months' rent
- Furnished apartments: Up to 3 months' rent
Learn more about security deposit laws →
Understanding Rent Control
San Francisco has rent control for many apartments. As a first-time renter, here's what you should know:
- Most buildings built before June 1979 are rent-controlled
- Annual rent increases are limited to a small percentage (typically 2-3%)
- "Just cause" eviction protection means you can't be evicted without a valid reason
- Newer buildings (built after 1979) typically don't have rent control
Read our complete rent control guide →
Common First-Time Renter Mistakes
Not Reading the Lease Carefully
Read every word. Pay attention to move-out notice requirements, pet policies, subletting rules, and any additional fees.
Not Documenting Move-In Condition
Take photos and videos of everything before you move in. This protects your security deposit when you move out.
Paying Before Seeing the Apartment
Never send money without seeing the apartment in person. This is the #1 rental scam.
Not Researching the Building
Check building history and landlord information before signing. A bad landlord can make your life miserable.
Research Any SF Building
Before signing a lease, search the address on StreetSmart to check building history and landlord information.
Search SF BuildingsTips for First-Time Renters
- Start early — Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks to search
- Have documents ready — Good apartments go fast
- Consider roommates — Splitting a 2BR is often better value than a studio
- Look beyond trendy neighborhoods — More affordable options exist in less popular areas
- Get renters insurance — It's cheap and protects your belongings
- Know your rights — SF has strong tenant protections
After You Sign
- Set up utilities — PG&E for gas/electric, Recology for trash
- Get renters insurance — Many landlords require it
- Document everything — Photos of the apartment's condition
- Meet your neighbors — They can be helpful resources
- Know your landlord's contact — For maintenance and emergencies