7 questions to ask before renting an apartment in Chicago

Life in Chicago is as exciting as a roller coaster ride. The city is so charming and unique that you fall in love with it instantly. Provided you can stand a little cold in the winter. Maybe its most appealing feature that makes people want to settle down here is variety. The city knows how to make everyone feel at home, with its vast array of employment opportunities, flourishing real estate sector, dynamic communities, multitude of entertainment options and great outdoors. But it’s the same variety that can make your apartment search harder as there are so many options. Here are a few tips to help you ease the journey and bring you closer to your dream home.

Let all your friends know that you’re looking for an apartment to rent or post it on social media channels. You’d be amazed to see how eager people are to help. Moving into a condo that somebody recommends might be a good idea as you’ll have first-hand info on how the place really is. You’ll know if there’s a cute little old lady interested in everything that moves in the building, what the best time to do the laundry is or where to find a safe parking spot. Or if you’re up for a drive, check out a few neighborhoods yourself and watch out for any lease signs. If there’s something that catches your eye, you’ll also have a clear picture of the surroundings before deciding to put down roots there.

Do an extensive online search; check out RentCafe daily for apartment listings directly from property managers within the Chicago area. The site offers great resources and specialized online tools that will make it so much easier for you to find an apartment, make a decision and fill in an application. Narrow down the field to four apartments and schedule a visit, preferably on the same day to gain some precious time. Make a list of questions to ask the landlord before you assess the condition of the apartment and sign a lease such as:

1. Are there any additional costs to renting the apartment?
2. Is there an on-site maintenance crew to handle repair requests?
3. What’s the average utility cost per month?
4. What’s the pet policy?
5. Is there a laundry room in the building?
6. Is unit remodeling allowed? Are home improvements allowed?
7. What’s the level of noise in the building?

Are there any tips on apartment finding you’d like to share?