Places to look at to stay in Bucharest

Chris, you can use pretty much any region of Bucharest if you don't have a car but stick around the areas where there is a metro/ bus/ tram station! Downtown it's more expensive but much safer than Ferentari, for instance. It all depends on your budget.

Look for rental websites like www.Imobiliare.ro, www.anuntul.ro, www.anunturiimobiliare.ro and such. A one room apartment (garsoniera) is not the same as in western standards but the living room space is one and the same with the kitchen.

My recommendation is to see a floor plan, and search for modern apartments that have a kitchen/ bar/ bedroom in one but the space is much better arranged, and separate than the bathroom/ shower.
Stay away from older buildings, and don't pay online! You need to see the flat first, and insist on drafting a contract at a Notary Public which is actually an educated attorney with a special license much stronger than that in western countries.

I recommend Simona Motatu, my life-long friend who owns her licensed and insured business at Str. Stirbei Voda nr.154, bl.26A, sc.1, et.1, ap.1 Sector 1 Telefon: 0213126969 Fax: 0213126969. Someone in the office speaks English (esp Daniel).

She also has provided me with authorized interpreter for past transactions. The law also protects you though it costs a bit more, to hire an interpreter certified by the Dept of Justice in Romania; (s)he will work for you so you understand what you sign. Take your time to have documents properly translated; depending on your timeline, it can take a rush process of min 3 days.

Paying the tax fee (taxa de timbru) - fiscal stamp tax - to the government, is one solid proof of renting the place in case any surprises come down the road, and it's affordable.

I'm not trying to scare you but I hear of all kind of rental tactics. Meanwhile, you can live in daily rentals that are quite friendly on www.AirBnB.com

I hope it helps. Send a private message if you have any questions or need help.