just a start----
The Market
has gone crazy in 2013! it is also busiest around august, as that's when everyone's leases are ending and people are looking to move.
Where to Rent?
might wanna check out neighborhoods
house v apartment v room
Where to find rentals
Craigslist
LiveLovely - search via map
Trulia - also available as a smartphone app
ForRent.com
eastbay.backpage.com
Newspaper listings:
pick up a local newspaper - the Oakland Tribune, the Piedmonter, the Montclarion
SF Bay Guardian
SF Chronicle
East Bay Area Reporter - LGBT
East Bay Express
Mercury News
try your luck calling apartment complexes off of Google Maps
there are also individual realtor/property management sites:
Advent Properties
CCH - specializes in senior homes
CRPM
Eri Rentals
Everest Properties
KLS Associates
Lantz Properties
Lapham
SMC Rents
check also the wiki's Low Income Housing page
Recommended Landlords