that's if there is one open. argument made is that people that have rent controlled apartments don't leave for economic reasons. this would mean it lessens the supply of rent controlled apartment in the area.

the competition for a place is high in the bay area, so even if they find and apply for an apartment doesn't mean they'll get it. my personal situation is worse due to me finding rooms instead of entire apartments. lived in 4-5 different places in last 4 years. I would get a response rate of ~5% from craiglist when looking in SF, percentage better in the peninsula. Usually competing against 10+ people viable applicants each time.