FAQs

If time is of the essence, we’ve got your back, but communication is key. Don’t be surprised if we ask a bunch of questions. The more we know what you’re looking for, the better, and faster, we can match up your best options. Contact us to get the ball rolling.

On average, plan for 30 minutes.  If we know a building has a longer tour, we will usually let you know or schedule appointments accordingly. Additionally, if you are short on time, just tell us and we will speed things up!

Every property will require a copy of your Driver’s License or ID card for the tour. It’s also helpful to have a credit card for application fees and a copy of your pay stub or offer letter.

You should plan on having an income that is 2.8 to 3.3 times one month’s rent and a credit score that is 550 or greater. If you believe you will not be able to qualify on your own, you can add a co-signer or guarantor. If you have a roommate that will live with you, the property will consider both incomes, and typically the average of both credit scores. Buildings will also do background checks on all applicants.

Pricing for many properties is now driven by supply and demand. In many cases, unit prices change daily based on a number of factors including: current tenants who give notice to end their leases, new leases signed, quantity of prospective tenants touring, seasonality, proximity of move dates, and the current price of comparable units in the area.

Not very long if a property is priced correctly. “Lease ups,” the term used for brand new properties, typically have several units that meet similar requirements, so timing is usually not as critical with new properties. However, if a property has a high occupancy rate and knows how to price their units, many won’t stay on the market longer than a few days. If a unit is on the market too long, many properties will run a special to move the unit more quickly. These specials can be “pulled” at any time, encouraging prospective tenants to act quickly.

Our properties require their tenants to give no less than a 30-day notice before they move out. As soon as the building knows a tenant is moving out, the unit is put on the market. This means if you are looking to move within the next 30 days, inventory will only decrease, as all of the tenants who planned to move out during that time have already provided notice.

Unlike renting from a private individual, managed properties take applicants on a first come, first approved basis. This simply means that if you are the first person to apply for the unit and your income, credit, and background check meet the property’s requirements then the apartment is yours. There is no bidding or selection process.

Between 30 to 90 days before your move date is best. Buildings have limited inventory beyond 90 days typically, but getting an early start helps on pricing. Current tenants are required to renew leases no later than 30 days before their lease expires, so if you are looking to move within 30 days, the inventory is only going to get more scarce (which often means higher prices).

There really is no “best time” to move to Chicago, but generally rents are cheaper in the winter than the summer. The winter months are less crowded, so building and elevator access are easier, but summer is great because you can finish your move and go lounge by the pool. Seriously, though, we work with move dates all year long. You really can’t go wrong.

Fair Housing Laws do not allow us to talk about the safety of a neighborhood or property. If you have questions, we recommend doing a little research on your own, or just walk around the property and observe, or even talk with people in the area.