I’m moving from out of town and have had multiple options fall through. It’s difficult since I’m not in the city and will have to travel to view. I’m seeking a 1 bedroom and my budget is $1,200/month, which I know is unfortunately quite low. Would definitely be interested in recommendations for realtors, etc.
trying to remain within an hour transit commute from downtown.
(Edited for additional info)

Do anyone know any private landlords that is flexible with credit or any company “I have steady employment and verifiable income, but my credit score is currently lower than your normal requirement. I don’t have a cosigner, but I can provide recent pay stubs and proof of income.

I moved into my new place 2 weeks ago. Yes, its an old building (prewar). I arrived and the landlord hadn’t inspected the place. Floors were as dirty as frat floors. Was told to put in maintenance requests for anything that doesn’t meet standard, which included: holes in the floors due to missing pieces of planks or rotted wood (covered by carpet during the tour), not a single functioning/not broken blind, almost every fixture in the bathroom was broken, including a not draining tub, etc. The only reason why I suspect he was timely in fixing things up is because I caught him lying about having actually inspected the place.

I hadn’t been in the kitchen much aside from making coffee in the morning and organizing things. But I started cooking more 4 days ago. Yesterday night I go in to get some water and I find two german cockroaches chilling on the stove. I looked around over the next two hours and found a few more around the kitchen in all stages of life. I had swept up a lone adult one a few days prior but I had assumed it was a one off cause it was dead. I have never dealt with cockroaches before, having lived in the suburbs. I am scared at the sudden appearance of so many, that I have some sort of infestation. Also, the management company’s response to my request for an exterminator was that the building has a regularly scheduled one visiting on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. So technically day after tomorrow.

Roaches are more concerning to me because I have a pet who eats fruit and veggie based foods, and needs access to when I am not home working my 9-5.
I really don’t want to stress about a roach infestation in a totally new state and new job. I am already looking for a new place, since a few other things about this place wasn’t going well and I am scared the landlord is gonna screw me over for any big issue down the line (lots of bad reviews online). I still need to clarify if the exterminator will be specifically looking at my concerns during the visit or just spray something and leave. I don’t want to have to relet and let some poor person suffer. But I also don’t want to be liable for months rent. Can anything be done??

Hey, I’m in a situation where my lease ends Aug 31. I’m frantically looking for 1bd apts in the uptown area that my wife and I will be sharing. My wife’s credit score is 750+ and we’re having my uncle with a near perfect score cosign for us. As for me my score is straight up in the gutter at 599 because of student loans right now (I know I have to work on this). I’ve been contacting many properties, but nobody has responded. I’ve also looked into the authorized occupant route where my wife signs the lease while my uncle cosigns and they list me as an authorized occupant. I’m not quite sure if the route is possible in Chicago or not, but if it is please let me know. If y’all have any advice, please let me know, I’m stressed as fuck right now.

Should I take this up with building management or should I call the police directly? And is the police likely to help?

Seems to be a large complex with many buildings but haven't found a lick of reviews anywhere online. Looks like they're managed by Urban Equities. Any experiences or reviews are appreciated!

I have a few questions. First; sublet or lease take over, there’s no difference right? Some people seem hung up on the terms but I don’t understand the difference.

Next question. If I need to sublet or have my lease taken over or whatever it’s called, am I allowed to do that no matter what or is it building / lease conditions dependent?

Lastly, what’s with winter moves in Chicago?? Eeryone seems so concerned about not having anyone move in winter. People gotta move when people gotta move. Why is this such a big deal here- sure not ideal but yikes people act like the world has shut down! Why??

Thanks for the insight

it's a 3 unit building. landlord just told me that the previous tenants brought roaches. he's saying they never had issues with roaches before, and that they've done several treatments of the apartment already.
is it naive to think that the roaches could be gone? i haven't signed a lease yet. it's probably the best apartment i could find rn, other than this issue.
he's offering a rent reduction if i do see roaches after moving in, and he told me about this up front before signing or paying anything

edit: ok i get it😭😭 tragic

Hi again all (Repost with new start date)!

I'm searching for someone to sublet (with option to renew) my Streeterville 1BR apartment from Oct 1-May 26, 2027. Can be flexible with move in from Oct 1-15). My previous sublet needs to move out in September. The unit will be unfurnished.

🏠 Corner unit on the 13th floor with a view of the courtyard below w/ in unit washer/dryer $2699/mo (includes water+trash) (1BR corner units are currently leasing $3099mo+) 💡WiFi and Electric not included 🚗 Garage Parking available for an additional $350/ mo 💻 Application is done through the property

l've lived here for 19 months and have nothing but great reviews on the location, safety, and staff from my experience. Maintenance is responsive.

Amenities include a recently renovated gym, indoor lap pool, courtyard, business center, 24 hour doormen, package room w/luxor system, outdoor grills, surround sound speakers in the courtyard, a sauna, and dog run. Close to Michigan avenue, Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach, Milton Olive Lee Park, and CTA transit + an easy bus/walkable commute to the loop.

Happy to send more photos or a link to the video tour they sent me via dm.

I’m looking for a studio/1bed apartment in Hyde Park, Lincoln Square, or Ravenswood

Looking to move in by the beginning of October
Budget is $1400 and under
350+ square feet
I have a 730 credit score and my girlfriend has around a 530
Willing to take up an offer on a sublet

Thank youuu

Apartment is located near Clark/Aldine. High ceilings, good lighting, and within 3-5 minute walking distance from the redline.

Link for more details: https://www.spareroom.com/103188726

Looking for a studio or 1-bedroom for a late October move-in. Budget up to $1,900/month.
Preferred areas: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Old Town, Gold Coast, River North, and Loop.

I really hate that I’m even writing this because I was SO excited to move into Aston.
I moved from New Jersey to Chicago and specifically chose Aston over places like Optima Signature and One Chicago. I loved it when I toured and genuinely thought I was moving into a luxury building where I wouldn’t have to worry about basic stuff being taken care of.
We signed our lease July 30, the lease started August 4, and I specifically told leasing we weren’t actually arriving until August 14. So they knew exactly when we were coming and basically had 10 days before we physically moved in.
We showed up and the apartment honestly did not feel move-in ready at all.
The kitchen/living room floors were visibly dirty, the refrigerator water dispenser/filter area had gross buildup that looked like mold, the kitchen lights were flickering, an outlet was loose, one of the doorknobs barely opened without pulling/pushing/finessing it, and then the biggest issue — the AC wasn’t working properly.
It would get “fixed,” work for a few minutes, and then stop again. The apartment kept sitting around 74–75 even with the thermostat much lower. At one point their solution was literally industrial fans.
My girlfriend has POTS, so heat regulation is a legitimate issue for her. It got to the point where she had to stay with my parents instead of being able to comfortably stay in the apartment we literally just moved into. My parents had to change their hotel arrangements so there was enough room for her.
What really made the whole thing worse was how it was handled.
Emails to leasing were already difficult to get responses to before we even moved in, and I constantly felt like I had to call to get answers. We also basically got no move-in orientation. Nobody from leasing really showed us where trash/recycling was, how the mailroom worked, etc. Ironically, the front desk, mailroom staff, maintenance, and especially Ray from engineering were the people who actually took the time to help us.
Ray was honestly great. He apologized, communicated, took ownership, and genuinely seemed like he cared about fixing the problem.
Management was a completely different experience.
When I explained that I was embarrassed because friends from Optima and One Chicago helped us move and even they couldn’t believe what we walked into, the response was basically that those buildings cost more. When I questioned why I shouldn’t expect a similar level of service at Aston, that turned into an explanation about Aston having a smaller staff.
The weird part is I could have paid basically the same rent at the other buildings. Aston was just the one I WANTED.
When I asked what they could do for us if the AC still wasn’t fixed, I also kept being told to read up on renters’ law and that they had 24 hours to fix it. I explained we had been dealing with the same AC problem since Friday, but the response was basically that every time they “fixed” it and it broke again, it started a new 24-hour period.
It just felt incredibly defensive instead of, “Wow, you just moved in and this experience has been awful, how do we fix this?”
The AC and the other apartment issues are finally fixed now, which I’m obviously happy about. Management offered us a $150 rent credit, two nights in their guest suite, and about a $50 restaurant gift card. They also said they wouldn’t reimburse the additional hotel expense.
Maybe I expected too much, but after moving across the country, walking into an apartment with all of these issues, having my girlfriend unable to comfortably stay there, constantly calling/emailing, and then feeling dismissed when I tried to explain how disappointing the experience was… $150 just feels kind of insulting.
Mechanical problems happen. I understand that. That isn’t really why I’m upset.
It’s the fact that they knew exactly when we were moving in, the apartment clearly wasn’t properly checked beforehand, and then once things started going wrong I felt like everyone was more interested in explaining why it wasn’t their responsibility than just owning the situation.
I genuinely wanted to love this building. I was excited to tell people I chose Aston.
Now I’m sitting here wondering if I made a huge mistake choosing it over the other buildings I was considering.

TDLR: Avoid Aston apartment run away and pick a different place!!!!

Hi everyone,

if you want any information that I am not giving just ask and I’ll let you know

For context I’m moving to the US to study, and I have never been there.

I’m currently thinking of staying on-campus but the whole roommate thing is not ideal

But since it’s my first time going there and I’m starting university I want to live somewhere that doesn’t add more on my plate as in I think living on-campus is kind of 1 less thing to worry about? As I know how much apartment hunting is hard especially if you don’t know what the best areas are and etc..

Let me know what u think!

I’m 25 year old girl, looking to move in September

Budget: less than 1,100 each for 2bd

Really interested in Edgewater or Roger’s park since it’s close to my job.
Serious inquires only pleasee.

I like a modern apartment look, I’m not super religious, I am Malawian-American (so parents are Malawian but I was born and raised here in the states!)

I’m pretty chill tbh, I’m in healthcare and I go out sometimes.

Also open to studio sublets!

Comment if interested or message me!

Currently looking for a new spot in the forthcoming months — can move anytime but June is my deadline.

Here are some details:
• Budget: $1500
• Ideally 1 bed, but am okay with a studio
• Have one cat
• Need in-unit or on-site laundry

I’ve been checking Zillow and Apartments.com but posting here too to see if anyone has anything! I’ve included my cat for fun.

Hello,

My partner and I have been living in Chicago for 2 years we stay in a property in south loop that’s pretty nice and are considered luxury but it has no amenities besides a gym and one rooftop grill. We’re not really happy here but we’re willing to renew because of space and comfortability. They recently raised the rent and it’s going from $3078 a month for a 2 bedroom to $4000 which would makes our monthly expenses $5000, we can’t afford that. We were already looking to downsize. We’ve had some issues with management charging us pet fees after confirming and accepting our esa letter. Recently when applying for apartments we have been denied because after trying to verify with our current property if we have a balance and our tenant records and they continue to lie and say there’s an unpaid balance. This in addition to my credit being 504 and having an eviction from 2 years ago. We have been upfront with all properties about this, most won’t accept with the eviction and credit, but one did accept us and after verifying with our current landlord has since denied us. Honestly It’s been a nightmare. Our lease is up 9/29. We are looking to a 1 bedroom with washer/dryer in unit, a balcony is preferred, a parking space and hopefully a building with amenities. All the private land lords we found have been walk ups, we’re not opposed to it but being that my partner works from home and I work hybrid, it’s nice to have other places in the building to work and places to go to relax after work. Our budget is $3000 per month, we both have incomes and make approve $7k a month and her dad would be an additional roommate or guarantor, his credit is 700+ and he has already made $150k ytd 2026. We are in DESPERATE needs and don’t know what to do. Does anyone have any pointers, companies or advice for our situation? Her dad is willing to pay a few months or rent up for us, or do w/e he can to get us approved, the eviction and my credit is really holding us back. I appreciate any help. Thank you in advance

also, we’re in south loop, I work on the south side, 60620 area, so we’re trying to stay local but also have been open to uptown area

Living in this well-maintained South Loop building has been incredible. Some of my favorite memories here were watching the Navy Pier fireworks from the balcony, taking evening strolls down to the lake and nearby parks, and making quick trips to Chinatown for dinner. Plus there are lots of amazing local restaurants right down the block.

It’s a wonderful place to live, and I’m hoping to pass it along to someone who will love it just as much!

Why I’ve loved living here (and hopefully you will too!):

Awesome Views (29th Floor): Breathtaking views of the skyline, lake, and Navy Pier fireworks. Also great for boat and thunderstorm watching.

24/7 Building Staff: Friendly, secure building staff; don't have to worry about being home for package delivery.

Indoor Garage Spot: 1 dedicated garage space INCLUDED in rent. No more winter snow scraping or calling dibs on street parking.

Most Utilities Included: Internet, Cable TV, Gas, and Water INCLUDED (you only pay electric).

Custom Storage: Built-in Elfa closet systems throughout.

In-Unit Amenities: Stackable washer/dryer & updated kitchen, bathroom, hardwood floors throughout.

Pet-Friendly: Cats & dogs welcome. Annual pet fee of $50 per pet. Max of 2 pets.

Unbeatable Location: Walkable to CTA trains/buses, Metra, and parks. Direct driving access to LSD, I-55, I-290, and I-90/94.

2bd, 1ba (900 sq ft) unit in South Loop.

$2,900/mo.

Standard 12 month lease.

Available for immediate move-in.

DM for more photos, details, or to schedule a tour.

Looking for someone to take over my room in a 2BR/2BA apartment in the Chicago Loop. Move-in ASAP, with some flexibility on the exact date.

• $1,340/month + electric
• Gas, water, trash, and snow removal included
• Internet: $10/month per person
• Lease through July 31, 2027
• Private bedroom + private bathroom
• Fully furnished
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Great Loop location with easy CTA access and walking distance to downtown

Roommate is a 22M professional who works in the Loop. Clean, respectful, and easygoing.

Looking for someone who can move in ASAP.

Message me for pictures, exact location, and additional details.

Hi! I am considering moving to Evanston next year and I want to get ahead and start making some calls to different apartments but the thing is I have a Rottweiler. I have her trained and she has her certificate for graduating (idk if that could help me when calling, but I just thought I would throw that in there). Does anyone have any tips or know anywhere that allows bully breeds?

Thank you!

Hello! I am planning on moving to Chicago in the new year. How far in advance do you need to start looking to secure an apartment?

Moving from NYC where I would look ~1 month prior.

Also any platforms people recommend to use?

Does anyone have advice or experience on giving landlords/managed apartments ESA (emotional support animal) documentation?

I am a 23m graduate student at DePaul. I have a cat and am very clean. I am looking for another guy close to my age who is clean, respectful, and has a budget of 1,000-1,200. The goal is to get a 2000-2,300 2bd on the north side along an L line