Rental Scams in San Francisco
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in San Francisco — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
San Francisco Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,100 |
| 2 Bedroom | $3,900 |
| 3 Bedroom | $4,800 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in San Francisco listed under $2,170, be cautious.
That is roughly 70% of the local average for a 1-bedroom apartment. Listings priced significantly below the market average are one of the strongest indicators of a rental scam. Scammers use below-market pricing to attract as many victims as possible before the listing is taken down.
Common Scam Patterns in San Francisco
Tech-Worker Relocation Scams
San Francisco's tech industry brings a constant stream of high-earning relocators who are used to paying premium rents. Scammers create polished fake listings in SoMa, Mission Bay, and the Financial District, targeting people who accept high prices without question and pay remotely before their start date.
Rent-Controlled Unit Fraud
SF has strict rent control, and scammers exploit confusion about which units qualify. They list rent-controlled units at market rate, pocket the difference, or create entirely fake listings claiming rent-control protections that do not exist for the unit in question.
In-Law Unit and Illegal Conversion Scams
Unpermitted in-law units are widespread in SF. Scammers rent out illegally converted basements, garages, and storage spaces. Victims may discover their unit violates building codes, has no legal occupancy permit, and can be shut down by the city at any time.
Roommate Scams in Shared Housing
High rents push many SF residents into shared housing. Scammers pose as existing tenants looking for a roommate, show a real apartment they temporarily have access to (via Airbnb or a friend), collect first and last month from the "new roommate," then disappear.
How to Protect Yourself in San Francisco
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to San Francisco, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through CA county property records. In San Francisco, you can search online through the county assessor's office.
- ✓Never wire money or pay with gift cards. Use traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards.
- ✓Compare prices against the rent averages above. If a listing is more than 30% below average, treat it as suspicious until verified.
- ✓Run the listing through our free checker to scan for 40+ scam patterns before you engage with the landlord.
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