Apartment hunting in San Francisco has always been unique, but in 2025, the surge driven by the AI boom has pushed demand even higher, making apartments move faster than ever.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can find the right place faster, avoid pitfalls, and understand how to maximize your search in today’s market.
Understand the SF Rental Landscape in 2025
San Francisco’s rental market is defined by sharp differences between neighborhoods, a mix of older rent-controlled buildings and newer construction, and each block can have its own personality.
Know Your Budget and Deal Breakers
Before you tour, define your:
Monthly budget (refer to Section 7 about how to qualify for an SF Apartment)
Ideal move-in date (start searching usually 1-1.5 months before)
Non-negotiables (laundry, natural light, pets, elevator, etc.)
Preferred neighborhoods
Know What Rent-Controlled Means in SF
Rent control is one of the biggest advantages SF renters can access.
Buildings built before June 1979 are generally rent-controlled, meaning:
Annual increases are capped
Long-term affordability improves
Units tend to be larger/classic layouts
Rent control can be difficult to confirm on traditional rental sites, which is why Iris highlights it clearly.
Watch Out for Common Rental Scams
San Francisco still sees a meaningful number of fraudulent or misrepresented listings. Look out for:
Prices that feel extremely low for the neighborhood
Landlords unwilling to offer in-person tours
Requests for deposits before viewing
Photos that don’t match the description
Sticking to verified listings eliminates most of these risks.
Tour Strategically
When touring in SF:
Group tours by neighborhood
Check noise levels at different times
Look for recent upgrades (windows, appliances)
Ask about any move-in incentives
Organizing your tours will help you compare units accurately.
Move Fast, But Not Recklessly
Good units move quickly, but you shouldn't rush into a bad contract.
Before applying to a unit:
Understand what’s included (utilities, parking)
Confirm deposit rules
Verify the move-in timeline
Check income or guarantor requirements
Most SF buildings require 3x the monthly rent in income.
Have Your Documents Ready
Photo ID
Recent pay stubs (usually last 2–3)
Employment verification letter
Bank statements (typically last 1–2 months)
Credit report (some landlords pull this themselves)
Proof of funds if self-employed (tax returns, 1099s, or P&L)
Guarantor documents if needed (same items above)