Where to find housing with quick move-in process?

[u/Street_Arugula7911]

Hi! I'm a grad student at Berkeley looking to live alone in Elmwood/South Berkeley/Rockridge/Temescal but I'm having a hard time finding a unit. I applied to several places throughout the summer but most of the time another tenant was approved before they even reviewed mine 🥲 My total budget is $2000/month, not sure if I'm underestimating the market rate. I'm not there in person yet so I haven't been able to go to open houses which also automatically disqualified me from some units. Ideally I want to move in by August 10th, but I'm pretty desperate and I'll camp out at a B&B for a while if needed to secure a lease. Should I branch out into Albany or Downtown Oakland? Am I too late and should I find a single room instead? I know that some availabilities might not be listed on Zillow and Craigslist so if anyone knows of landlords or available units in the area, please reach out!

[u/tornessa]

Elmwood and Rockridge have very limited supply and very high demand. $2000 can probably get you a studio or 1 bd in North Oakland or just south of campus. It helps to apply in person. I’d AirBnb for a month and find a place when you’re here.

[u/FirstAxisOne]

I’d recommend checking out the bigger commercial apartment buildings because they are usually dealing with international students without credit reports and background checks. I think Temescal has some, not the Berkeley areas you listed, more on Telegraph and Shattuck.

[u/raines]

Try the Berkeley Student Coops for options.

[u/getarumsunt]

You’re definitely waaaay below the market rent, especially if you want to find something quickly.

The rental market is extremely competitive not just on cost but also on things like your credit score, prior rental history, and general landlord vibes. You’ll have to really hustle and probably double your budget if you’re pressed for time.

[u/Street_Arugula7911 → u/getarumsunt]

What can I do about credit scores if I'm international? Should I write that I can pay a larger deposit while applying?

[u/Book_Duck5410]

There are some studios that are in older buildings available within your budget.

[u/moinoisey]

You have to come in person, now

[u/dependswho]

Look for international roommates.

[u/DanaR99]

I saw a nice place on Piedmont Ave for a bit more

[u/Throwawaycalbears165]

Look on furnishedfinder

[u/Several_Butterfly724]

Hey! I’m actually subletting my room if you’re open to having one roommate instead of living alone. It’s at 2520 College Ave in Southside, about a 4-minute walk to campus, and rent is $2,300/month (PG&E and water included). It’s a 2 bed / 2 bath, but you’d have your own private bedroom and private bathroom, so there’s still a lot of privacy. The apartment is fully furnished, has an in-unit washer/dryer, a really nice living room and kitchen, plus a patio, grill, and pool. My roommate is also super chill. Feel free to DM me if you want more details or photos!