The SF room search checklist you can print out
Bring this list to each viewing.
- Rent, deposit, utilities, and payment date
- Address, commute, and nighttime walk
- Lease status, move-in date, and minimum stay
- Room size, window, lock, heat, outlets, and storage
- Bathroom count, kitchen condition, laundry, and trash
- Housemates, schedules, guests, cleaning, and smoking
- Internet, work-call expectations, bikes, parking, and pets
- Why the room is open and how the last move-out went
Afterward, score the room before opening the next listing. Write down one reason to choose it and one reason not to. If the facts are vague, treat that as a fact too.
Do not send money until you have seen the room, read the agreement, and know who will receive the payment. A checklist cannot make a home right, but it can keep stress from hiding a bad answer.