Staying in an SRO

 I got the opportunity to stay in an SRO it came with a private bathroom so I took the chance because like I said I have been looking to move and Single Room Occupancy places are the most affordable but also the experience is something you need to understand and appreciate. 

All the rooms came with furniture, so I am still putting all my stuff into a storage unit and that means the expense of living in San Francisco City isn't less expensive its just deferred expense. 

One thing about an SRO is that you are central to the city you hear noise almost 24/7. I think Sunday morning I was really fortunate to walk around and find that quietness that can happen in Downtown San Francisco. 

There are some amenities of staying in an SRO like a hotel in a way. There is coffee available at certain times (PERK!) You can get your laundry taken care of for you (an expense but if you are working multiple days or all day its an nice perk). You are eligible for some services like a pantry box is discounted living in some places. You don't have to buy toilet paper but, you should probably bring your own if its a shared bath. The other thing is there is opportunity for communal meals because of the kitchen being one location so once a month or once a week there is a meal service that is free or low cost ( per plate donation $). 

But there are RULES Lots and lots of rules. One being you are going to be inspected once a month period. Second is no contraband any drug or alcohol use is forbidden ( most SRO's are run by religious nonprofits but some are just hotels with nonprofits running them ). Next, you have to pay a full two (2) months in advance and if you want services like internet or air conditioner ( window or split) you would rent one ( some buildings are so old they can't update the HVAC so there is just a fan ) . The minimum rental is four (4) months the maximum rental is twelve (12) months at that which you have to reapply to stay. 

Another caveat is you have to get renters insurance (another expense) and that is because while there is sprinklers in most rooms SRO's especially in San Francisco are just tinder boxes waiting to go. Aside from the incredibly thin walls of the older buildings. 

While the discounted price is great, the process to renting one is tedious and invasive especially for what you are getting into as most places you are sharing a bathroom with up to 30 other people. You basically have to resign a lot of privacy for shelter that can make it difficult to see the benefit of just having shelter.