Illegitimate Landlording in SF Bay Area

[George Leekin]

There are illegitimate landlording practices going on in the SF Bay Area communities. I am posting this on behalf of my friend and his observations- Please read below and let me know what you think:

-Landlord rents to tenants without a written contract. Rent is paid through cash only.

-There are no screening procedures or rules in place.

-Tenants occupy the common areas. One kitchen is shared between 5-7 people. There are insects throughout the property and there are flies entering my friend's room. Dishes and unused food are left out in the common areas without cleaning for weeks. Tenants wear shoes in the house and there are no cleaning services. Tenants leave front doors open frequently. 

-There is one tenant, who feeds the pets living in the property almonds, sugary baked goods, bread, along with other foods that are not made for pets.

-My friend talked to the tenant about the tenant giving pets non-pet food without the owner's permission; as a result the tenant physically threatened and intimidated my friend.

-My friend told the landlord, landlord did not resolve the situation. Friend told landlord if he could inform authorities. Landlord told him not to do so.

Given these situations at the current property, my friend has been looking for other rental properties. I am trying to help him look for new locations so he can leave as soon as possible. During our searches, we did notice affordable housing in private residences listed on the classifieds, but found that they are scaringly similar to what he is experiencing-- random tenants, unsanitary, potentially hostile conditions, and not enough space. He has the choice of not living in these environments and also leaving the current property... but are there any options for affordable housing that are regulated and safe? What options does my friend have that we did not consider?