Best Apartment Specials in San Francisco, CA

Written by Sunny | Edited by Ian Medlock
4 minute read

What rent specials are currently happening in San Francisco?

San Francisco, known for its steep rental prices, occasionally offers enticing rent specials that can significantly alleviate financial burdens for new renters. As the market fluctuates, so do the opportunities for finding a great deal. This post, updated weekly, aims to keep you informed about the best apartment specials in the city, helping you make smart, budget-friendly leasing decisions.

Last updated: October 15, 2025 at 12:32 PM PDT

What types of rent specials should I look for in San Francisco?

Rent specials can vary widely, but here are some of the most common types you might encounter in San Francisco:

  • “1 month free” – Reduces overall lease cost, typically spread out over the lease term to lower monthly payments.
  • “Reduced move-in fees” – Decreases initial costs required at lease signing, making moving less financially stressful.
  • “Gift cards or cash back” – Provides additional incentives, though often tied to longer lease agreements or specific conditions.
  • “Reduced deposit” – Lowers the security deposit requirement, making upfront costs more manageable.
  • “Waived application fees” – Removes the charge typically associated with applying for the rental, saving money upfront.
  • “Free amenities” – Offers free access to normally paid features like parking, storage, or gym memberships.
  • “Utility specials” – Includes utilities in the rent for a limited time, which can significantly reduce monthly expenses.
  • “Price locks” – Guarantees your rent price will not increase for a set period, providing financial stability.
  • “Referral bonuses” – Rewards tenants for referring others who sign a lease.
  • “Upgraded units” – Offers upgraded amenities at no extra cost, enhancing living experience without the added price.

When is the best time to find a rent deal in San Francisco?

When is the best time to rent in San Francisco?

The optimal time to find rent specials in San Francisco is typically during the winter months (November through February) when demand is lower. Conversely, the summer months often see higher demand and fewer deals. For the best chances, check listings early in the week when new postings are frequent. Acting quickly when a deal surfaces is crucial, as they can disappear just as fast as they appear.

Which neighborhoods in San Francisco have the most rent specials right now?

Here’s a snapshot of where you’ll find the most specials, by neighborhood:

Neighborhood Listings
Lower Nob Hill 15
Tenderloin 11
Civic Center 8
South of Market 8
Mission Bay 4
South Beach 4
Nob Hill 4
Mission District 4
Pacific Heights 4
Marina District 3

What are the top 5 apartment specials in San Francisco this week?

Here are the top 5 apartment deals in San Francisco this week, chosen based on the value of the discount, location, and available amenities:

  1. 900 Broderick
    900 Broderick
    900 Broderick Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
    Spacious 1-bedroom units in a classic San Francisco building with modern upgrades.
    Special: “Tour and sign a lease within 48 hours to receive a $1000 Gift Card + $95 Move-In Special.”

  2. 1610 LOMBARD Street
    1610 LOMBARD Street
    1610 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
    Offers both studio and 1-bedroom options close to Marina District, perfect for young professionals.
    Special: “Tour and sign a lease within 48 hours to receive a $1000 Gift Card + $95 Move-In Special.”

  3. 1725 TURK Street
    1725 TURK Street
    1725 Turk Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
    Luxurious 2-bedroom apartments in a central location with top-tier amenities.
    Special: “Receive a Gift Card in the amount of 1 Month’s Rent when signing a lease within 48 hours.”

  4. 2955 Van Ness
    2955 Van Ness
    2955 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
    Spacious 2-bedroom apartments with modern amenities in a sought-after neighborhood.
    Special: “Tour and sign a lease within 48 hours to receive a $1000 Gift Card.”

  5. 1234 JONES Apartments
    1234 JONES Apartments
    1234 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
    Elegant 1-bedroom apartments in a historic district with easy access to local attractions.
    Special: “Receive a $1000 Gift Card when you tour and sign a lease within 48 hours.”


Need more help finding deals? Check back weekly for updated specials or explore more listings across San Francisco.

Meet our contributors
Ian Medlock
Ian Medlock
General Manager
Ian Medlock leads growth at Sunny, where he helps renters discover the best places to live through smart, data-driven tools. With a background in marketing, product, and analytics, he's passionate about building experiences people love. Ian lives in the bay area with his family.