FAQ

Rent Control

What is Rent Control?

When an apartment is rent controlled, the management company cannot raise the rent above the annual allowable increase rate set by the Rent Board each year. These controls keep rents stabilized and result in rents that are lower, over time, than the market rate.

What is considered a Rent Controlled apartment?

In San Francisco, apartment buildings that were built in June 1979 or earlier are protected by the local rent control and “just cause” eviction protections.

Are our apartments Rent Controlled?

Most of our apartments are protected by rent control.

Why should I rent a Rent Controlled apartment?

Rent control allows renters to lock in a good rate and keeps their rent from exponential increases as market rates increase.

Applications

What do I need to apply for an apartment?

• Physical tour of the apartment: You, a roommate, friend, or parent (with you on a call) must physically see the apartment in person before applying for a unit
• ID: Any form of government issued Identification is acceptable (Driver’s License, Passport or State Issued ID card)
• Application Fee: Each person 18 years or older must pay a $35 application fee. Application fees are non-refundable but can be applied to multiple units
• Social Security number
• Employment information and two pay stubs

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are viewed in the order in which they are submitted on a “First come, First served” basis.

How much is the security deposit?

The security deposit is based on your screening risk level, ranging from Minor to Severe, determined by a third-party company and based on credit score, employment and income verification, and background check. Security Deposit ranges from a deposit equal to a half month’s rent to a deposit equal to two months’ rent. Those with a minor risk qualify for a non-refundable Security Deposit Waiver fee instead of paying a security deposit. A Security Deposit Waiver fee is not a deposit. You as the resident are responsible for any damages to your unit at move out.

What is Security Deposit Waiver?

Instead of providing a security deposit, qualified applicants may instead pay a non-refundable Security Deposit Waiver fee. A Security Deposit Waiver fee is not a deposit. You as the resident are responsible for any damages to your unit at move out.

What are the income requirements?

Applicants must have a minimum combined gross income (before taxes) of two and half (2.5) times the monthly rent amount.

What if I need a Co-Signer/Guarantor?

Co-signers are accepted for applicants who have no previous rental history or who do not meet the required income criteria.

Lease

What is the Damage Waiver Program?

The Damage Waiver Program is a liability coverage policy that covers your lease agreement’s Liability Coverage requirement for $15/month. It fulfills your legal liability for damage to the Landlord’s property (including fire, smoke, explosion, falling objects, or water damage), when damage is caused by the negligent action or inaction of you, your occupants, or your guests up to $100,000. After you sign your lease with RentSFNow, you will automatically be enrolled in this program unless you provide proof of third-party coverage.

How much does the Damage Waiver Program cost?

A $15 per month charge will be added to your ledger, so you won’t have an extra bill to remember to pay. There are no up-front fees, there is no deductible, and there are no out-of- pocket expenses. When you sign your lease with RentSFNow, you are automatically approved.

Is the Damage Waiver Program required?

No. This is an easy option to fulfill your lease’s liability insurance coverage. Your lease requires $300,000 in liability coverage. If you choose to skip liability insurance through a third party, automatic enrollment into the Damage Waiver Program satisfies the lease requirement. If you do not provide proof of coverage, you will be automatically enrolled in this convenient option to satisfy your lease requirement.

How do I opt out?

You can opt out by providing proof of coverage to Greentree.confirminsurance.com. Your coverage policy must:

• List all leaseholders as stated on the lease agreement
• Name the rental address as stated on the lease agreement as the insured location
• Carry $300,000 minimum limit of liability for the landlord’s property
• Contain start and end dates
• Contain a policy number
• Additional interest must be listed as the following:

How do I provide proof of insurance coverage?

You can provide proof of coverage by submitting your policy details to Greentree.confirminsurance.com. Your policy will be reviewed by a third-party to confirm your eligibility. Your coverage policy must:

• List all leaseholders as stated on the lease agreement
• Name the rental address as stated on the lease agreement as the insured location
• Carry $300,000 minimum limit of liability for the landlord’s property
• Contain start and end dates
• Contain a policy number
• Additional interest must be listed as the following:

What does the Damage Waiver Program cover?

The program covers damage to the integrity of the building and covers your legal liability if the damage is from negligent action or inaction of you, your occupants, or your guests up to $100,000. This includes fire, smoke, explosion, falling objects, or water damage. Damage created by your pets is not covered. Move-out damage with normal wear and tear or intentional damage is not covered.

Does the Damage Waiver Program protect my belongings?

No. This program protects the apartment and building itself and any appliances included at move-in. If you would like to purchase separate personal contents coverage through our third-party referral, please visit https://habitatspecialty.io/personalcontents.

Do you offer personal contents coverage insurance?

We recommend Habitat, third-party insurance coverage for your personal belongings. When you sign your lease with RentSFNow, you are pre-approved, with no credit check or background check required.

How much does personal contents coverage insurance cost?

When you sign a lease with RentSFNow, you are pre-approved with our suggested vendor Habitat for up to $10,000 of personal contents coverage.

What does personal contents coverage with Habitat protect?

For specific questions for your policy, please reach out to Habitat at 970.689.3932 and speak to a licensed insurance agent.

Is personal contents coverage insurance with Habitat required?

No, but we highly recommend insurance to protect your belongings.

How do I cancel my coverage with Habitat?

Visit the Habitat website to opt out of coverage. You do not need to provide proof of third-party contents coverage insurance.

What is MyCreditLift?

MyCreditLift is a service that reports your on-time rent payments to the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Transunion) to increase your credit history for $8.95/month. You will be automatically enrolled, and you can cancel your account at any time.

How much does MyCreditLift cost?

A $8.95 per month charge will be added to your ledger, so you won’t have an extra bill to remember to pay.

What does MyCreditLift do?

For every on-time rent payment, MyCreditLift reports this to Equifax, Experian, and Transunion, giving you positive credit history. Payment history makes up about 35% of your credit score. Only on-time payments will be reported. If you have any late payments, your account will be cancelled and your payments will no longer be reported. You will no longer be charged for this service.

How do I opt out?

You can opt out any time by visiting https://www.mycreditlift.com/mgmt. To avoid any reporting to the bureaus, please opt-out within 30-days of lease signing. You will automatically be opted out of the program if you make any late rent payments, since MyCreditLift will only report positive, on-time rental payments.

I opted out, or I was automatically opted out. Can I sign up again to gain more credit history?

Yes, but not immediately. Once you are opted out, you cannot re-enroll unless a new lease is signed.

Move-In Requirements

What do I need before moving into my apartment?

• Move-in Funds must be paid and cleared. Please note it may take up to two weeks for ACH payments to be processed. If you have a quick move-in, a credit card payment is faster. Credit Card fees are the responsibility of the new leaseholder.
• Depending on your screening risk level, you may qualify for a $95 Move-In Special Security Deposit Waiver, or pay a security deposit ranging from 1/2 month to two months’ rent deposit. $95 Security Deposit Waiver is not a deposit and is non-refundable. Resident is responsible for any damages to unit at move out. Risk Level is determined by a third-party company and based on credit score, employment and income verification, and background check.
• Renters Insurance, or Liability Coverage with our Damage Waiver Program.
• PG&E must be set up.

Can I own a micromobility device?

You can own, store and recharge one personal micromobility device (e-bicycles, e-scooters, etc.) per resident in your apartment. However, your device needs to meet safety standards (like UL 2849 for e-bikes or UL 2272 for e-scooters), and it must be insured. They must be stored in compliance with fire codes; they cannot be stored on fire escapes or in common areas of the building. You also may not perform repair or maintenance on batteries or motors within the apartment building.

I’m about to sign a lease on an apartment offering a Gift Card promotion. When should I expect to receive this?

You will receive your digital MasterCard gift card approximately 120 days after your move-in date. To qualify for the gift card, you must tour the unit and sign your lease within 48 hours. Your account as a resident must be fully paid and in good standing. Any outstanding balance must be settled within 7 days to receive the gift card. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the digital gift card.

How can I use my gift card?

Your digital MasterCard gift card can be used to offset costs associated with moving or other expenses but are not permissible for payment of rent, utilities, or rentable items. Your gift card cannot be used to pay your rent.

Pets

Are pets allowed? Is there a pet limit?

Most of our apartments are pet friendly. Where allowed, we will allow up to two (2) pets per apartment.

Is there a pet deposit?

Yes. There is a refundable deposit of $500 for dogs and $250 for cats.

Is there a rent charge for pets?

• Dogs: $75/month per animal
• Cats: $50/month per animal
• Birds/Rabbits/Hamsters: $25/month per animal
• Service Animals and ESAs, regardless of type, do not incur deposit/rent

Is there a weight limit for pets?

Dogs must be 40lbs and under, except in ground floor apartments where dogs must be 80lbs and under. Weight limits do not apply to cats or service animals and ESAs.

Are there breed restrictions?

Yes. The following aggressive breeds are restricted (and are subject to change):

1. American Pit Bull Terrier
2. German Shepherd
3. Rottweiler
4. Doberman Pinscher
5. Wolf-Dog Hybrid
6. Bullmastiff
7. Cane Corso
8. Great Dane
9. Tosa Inu
10. American Bandogge
11. Dogo Argentino
12. Canary Mastiff
13. Chow Chow
14. Siberian Husky
15. Rhodesian Ridgeback
16. Boerboel
17. Pharaoh Hound
18. Akita Inu
19. Caucasian Ovcharka
20. Boxer
21. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
22. Saint Bernard
23. Alaskan Malamute
24. Presa Canario

What if my pet is an ESA or Service Animal?

With regard to Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals, breed and size restrictions do not apply. Requests for approval of a Service Animal or ESA must be documented through our partner, Pet Screening. Please note that documentation of vaccinations is required for service and support animals. In addition, pet deposits and pet rent are waived for service and support animals.

What is PetScreening?

PetScreening helps to manage pet and animal records. We use PetScreening to screen household pets, validate reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals and confirm every resident understands our pet policies. To facilitate the screening and validation process, PetScreening offers applicants and residents three profile types to choose from: Household Pet, Assistance Animal, and No Pet or Animal.

Need Assistance Filling out a Pet Screening form?

Do you have questions about the pet screening process or need technical assistance? Please email PetScreening Support Team directly at support@petscreening.com or use the chatbot by visiting www.petscreening.com.

What if I have another pet?

Pet rent and pet deposit do not apply for these pets:

• Birds: Allowed up to 2; must be caged
• Caged critters (rabbits, hamsters, snakes, etc.): Allowed up to 2; must be caged
• Fish Tanks/Aquariums: Not allowed
• Reptiles: Allowed up to 30 gallons