San Francisco’s rental market just got another tech-powered twist that’ll make your wallet weep. 🏠💸

The AI Housing Hustle

AI companies are playing landlord in ways that’ll make traditional renters rage-quit the Bay Area housing scene. Picture this: tech workers walking into apartment viewings with literal envelopes of cash, while the rest of us are scrambling to make rent.

Take Cluely, a startup helmed by 22-year-old Roy Lee, who’s basically turning corporate housing into a fraternity experiment. “Going to the office should feel like you’re walking to your living room,” Lee told the New York Times, embodying peak tech bro energy.

The Rental Reality Check

With average San Francisco rents hovering around $3,645 monthly, AI companies are dropping insane perks like $1,000 rent stipends and completely paid apartments. Mission Bay and SoMa? More like Millionaire Playground Central.

The Not-So-Fine Print

These housing hijinks aren’t just affecting individual renters – they’re reshaping entire neighborhoods. One renter shared the brutal truth: competing against 20 other applicants, feeling like doing everything “right” still isn’t enough to secure a decent place.

For those not swimming in venture capital cash, it might be time to look beyond the tech-saturated zones. Visitacion Valley and Excelsior are calling your name, budget-conscious friends. 🏘️