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Finding
Rental Housing
It is important that Bay Area
residents have access to the housing of their choice. This page provides
information of interest to residents looking to rent in the Bay Area,
as well as links providing access to further information.
Where
to look for housing:
There are numerous free listings of available rental housing in the Bay
Area.
The most extensive list can
be found online at:
www.craigslist.com
Local daily and weekly newspapers may also have listings, and there are
often postings on bulletin boards at places like community centers, churches,
coffee shops, and welfare offices.
You should be aware that apartments advertised by realtors may require
payment of an additional fee.
Affordable
housing options:
Because of the high price of housing in the Bay Area, many residents cannot
afford to pay the market rate. Fortunately, there are a number of options
for those in need of affordable housing. There are federal, state and
local programs such as housing choice vouchers, subsidized housing, public
housing, tax credit housing, etc. For more information on these programs
and how to access this housing check out the Affordable
Housing section of this website.
Preparing
Yourself:
Because there is such a high demand for housing in the Bay Area, it is
important to arrive to apartment showings prepared.
It is helpful if you bring a copy of your credit report with you, as well
as a photocopy of your ID, and a pay stub.
Fill out a generic rental application ahead of time, with all the information
you will need. This way, you will have all the information necessary to
fill out an actual rental application on the spot. You may also want to
prepare a renter’s resume. You can find a blank rental application
and a renter’s resume form at...
Dealing
With Discrimination:
Unfortunately, there are barriers that even the most prepared apartment-seeker
may encounter.
One such problem is discrimination. Fortunately there are extensive laws
in place to make housing discrimination illegal, and options for citizens
who feel they have been discriminated against. Check out the Dealing
with Discrimination section of this website for more information.
Your
Rights:
After you have found housing, your landlord has certain responsibilities
to you. If you feel that your housing may be sub-standard—if conditions
are unhealthy or if important necessities are lacking—you may call
our toll-free info line, and we will counsel you about your rights and
help you make sure your needs are met.
Reasonable
Modifications and Accommodations:
In addition to certain standards that all housing must meet, renters with
disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Reasonable accommodations are changes in policies, practices or procedures
that are needed to provide a person with a disability with equal access.
Reasonable modifications are needed changes to the building itself. For
more information on reasonable accomodations and modifications check out
the section of our website for Renters
with Disabilities. Call us if you feel you are being denied
reasonable accommodations and modifications.
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