I think that San Fran exists in its own little universe out there sometimes.  I just read an article from the LA Times where San Fran has passed legislation that prevents a land lord from raising the rent to more than 33% of a renters income and allows a renter to add roommates and family members even if the lease the signed strictly forbids it.

Now I am all for lower prices but this kind of legislation leads to only one thing; poorer living conditions.  I think many times the people we elect have great intentions but their ideas many times have unintended consequences.  What happens when you cap what a landlord can charge their tenants?  You get a disgruntled landlord who will not (or cannot) fix anything.    The market dictates what a landlord must charge in order to make a profit and keep the building in good shape.  Are some people going to gouge?  Absolutely!  But you are not forced to live in those buildings you can just go to another one that is not price gouging.  It will be interesting to see what happens to rentals in San Fran as a result of this legislation.