I am a Seattleite looking to make the move to SF. People told me rent here was mind boggling and I guess I didn't have a full grip on the degree until I started to plug average rent into my budgeting spreadsheets.

I suppose in some ways I am lucky to be making this move when the housing market is in a renters favor. I have a lease in Seattle and no urgent need to move BUT I will be looking to move in within 8 months.

I am certainly considering renting a place a bit early (maybe even before I move) just to lock in one of these good prices.

To make the math work out well on that I have to think a bit more long term which means rent control. From the sounds of it the max an apartment could increase its rent is by 10% yearly with it likely landing at more like 5-6% (I could be fatally wrong here so please correct me otherwise).

I guess my question is will rent control still protect me should the renting market in SF bounce back or is there some loophole that is commonly exploited that makes rent control not really work in SF. Additionally if you want to weigh in on the strategy of moving in unnecessarily early with some advice that would be much appreciated.

Either way very excited to come to this city! Have loved it immensely every time I have had the pleasure of visiting.