San Francisco Rental

[Jen L.]

Hi BP,

I'm a long time reader but finally decided to participate!  I'm trying to rent out a property in San Francisco.  In general, what should I watch out?  For the local investors, what special quirk should I be careful about?  

Thanks!

[Debra R.]

On the plus side SF rents are very high.  On the down side SF has just cause for eviction.  Find out everything you can about SF's rent control and just cause for eviction.  Set high minimum qualifications for tenants and screen, screen, screen.  Any tenant you get may be there for a very, very long time since you can't just not re-new the lease.  If this is your first rental try to find someone local and very knowledgeable to help you thru the process.  In SF there is so much more on the line than in cities without rent control.  

I think many people when first learning  landlording are prone to be too trusting and too nice.  That includes me!  If you make a mistake in a rent controlled city you will pay heavily for it.