How far in advance can I rent an apartment in the City? (San Francisco: apartment complexes)

[danni88]

My boyfriend and I are moving to San Francisco in June. Looking through criegslist and some other apartment websites it seems like most places are ready to rent right away, is it possible to rent something a couple months in advance or is everything done mostly last minute? And I'm not talking about big corporate apartment complexes, we are looking for something in a smaller building.

Thanks

[sonarrat]

It is frustrating, and I completely understand where you're coming from. But think like an apartment manager, especially in a smaller building: am I going to keep my unit empty for 6 months, draining my wallet, because someone from out of state promises they'll move in then? It's not reasonable.

[danni88]

I didn't really mean to keep the apartment empty for me, I was thinking more that the landlord knows their tenet is moving out in a couple months and they rent it to me before the apartment is vacated. I totally understand not keeping the apartment empty.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by danni88

I didn't really mean to keep the apartment empty for me, I was thinking more that the landlord knows their tenet is moving out in a couple months and they rent it to me before the apartment is vacated. I totally understand not keeping the apartment empty.

That doesn't happen much either, as the tenant is only required to give 30 days notice. The best you can hope for is a project the LL hasn't finished yet, or an apartment building that isn't built yet.