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Apartment Hunting in Chicago, Illinois: Your Questions, Answered

Chicago, the Windy City is not just known for its deep-dish pizzas and iconic skyline, but also for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant neighborhoods. If you're considering making this city your home, here's a guide to help you navigate the apartment hunting process in Chicago.

Finding an apartment in Chicago

Chicago is a vast city with many neighborhoods with diverse cultures and experiences.
Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Lake View, The Loop, and Mount Greenwood are among the most luxurious neighborhoods in Chicago. Rental costs here are on the high-end, but you get to enjoy the perks such as security, first-class eateries, pretty parks, and luxurious shopping.

• Uptown is a hotspot for dynamic nightlife and entertainment. Lovers of Chinese culture can tour Chinatown for the best experiences in Chinese culture and cuisine.
• If you love colorful murals, Humboldt Park has an endless parade of them, plus traditional dishes and cultural events rooted in Puerto Rican culture.
• Logan Square is a trendy, artsy neighborhood great for creatives. And if you want a vibrant downtown feel, South Loop offers all the perks with attractions like museums and music venues.
• Uptown, South Shore, The Island, and Pilsen are some of the most affordable neighborhoods.

However, Chicago is popular for its high crime rates. As such, avoid West Garfield Park, Washington Park, Englewood, Riverdale, Grand Crossing, and North Lawndale, as they’re some of the most dangerous areas in the city.

How to find apartments in Chicago

1. Online Platforms: Websites like June Homes, Domu, and Craigslist are popular choices. They offer filters to help narrow down your search based on your preferences.
2. Local Newspapers: The classified sections can sometimes have hidden gems.
3. Network: Ask friends or family living in the area. They might know of available places or upcoming vacancies.

How do you qualify for an apartment in Chicago?

1. Proof of Income: Most landlords require proof that your monthly income is at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent.
2. Credit Check: A good credit score can be crucial. Some landlords might still consider you with a lower score but may ask for a higher security deposit.
3. References: Previous landlords or employers can vouch for your reliability.

How to find a quiet apartment in Chicago?

1. Visit at Different Times: Check the noise levels during various times of the day.
2. Ask Current Residents: They can provide insights into the noise levels and neighborhood dynamics.
3. Check Building Materials: Buildings with concrete walls or added insulation can help reduce noise.
4. Avoid Busy Streets: Opt for apartments on side streets or those facing away from main roads.

What month is rent cheapest?

Winter months, particularly January and February, often see a dip in rental prices. This is due to fewer people moving during the cold season.

Is it a good time to rent in Chicago?

The rental market fluctuates. Currently, with urban renewal projects and the city's efforts to attract more residents, there are good deals to be found. However, always keep an eye on economic trends and housing reports to gauge the market.

Is it easy to get an apartment in Chicago?

Ease of finding an apartment in Chicago depends on various factors. We simplify this process by offering a range of listings to accommodate diverse needs and budgets. You can apply and get approved within a maximum of 3 hours (with an average approval time of 1.5 hours) and move in on the same day.

How to find alternative rental options in Chicago?

If a traditional apartment isn't your style or out of your budget, consider alternative options. Shared living spaces, like those offered by June Homes, can provide a sense of community and reduce costs.

Our blog’s top picks to help you find the perfect short-term rental in Chicago

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• Logan Square, Chicago: Neighborhood Guide
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Most asked questions before renting an apartment with June Homes in Chicago:

Can I move in early or late?

Early move-in depends on your scheduled date, the current tenant’s move-out, and cleaning time. If possible, you can move in early for a $50 fee. After your move-in date, you can arrive anytime. Please contact our team for any specific questions about your stay.

Can I cancel my lease?

Of course, you can! Given it’s a legally binding document, terms and conditions apply, so please reach out to our team to inform you of the fee associated with terminating your lease early. You can also find more information here if you have already moved in or here if your move-in date hasn’t come yet!

Can the lease be extended?

The short answer is yes, depending on availability! Don’t worry though, you will always have priority over any incoming tenant and we will reach out to you to confirm whether you intend to further extend your stay before we sell your room. In the event we do not hear back and the room gets sold, we will be there to help you find an alternative option!

How flexible are rental durations in Chicago apartments with June Homes?

June Homes offers flexible leases, including 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month options—ideal for short stays, work assignments, or longer-term housing—perfect for students, professionals, or those seekingtravel nurse housing.

What’s the minimum lease duration? Is the apartment available for a shorter or longer lease term?

All units are available for any stay from 1-18 months and you can always extend further if needed! The minimum lease duration in days is between 30 & 32 days, depending on the city. Feel free to reach out to our team so they can answer any questions specific to your stay!

Can I book an apartment instantly after applying?

Yes—once your application is approved, you can book instantly! Please keep in mind that we operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and due to demand, your apartment might be booked while we review your application. The rule of thumb is to submit everything as fast as possible and we will help you complete your reservation in no time! And don’t worry, if you miss out on your initial room, we will help you find an equally awesome alternative.

Are virtual tours available? What about in-person tours?

Yes! You can view listings via virtual tours on our site or schedule a guided tour with our agents (up to 2 properties!). In-person tours are available after application approval and allow access to shared spaces and vacant rooms.

Are pets allowed, and are there any breed or size restrictions?

Yes, pets are allowed in designated pet-friendly units, with a limit of one pet per unit. There are no breed or size restrictions, but we follow all applicable state laws. ESAs and service animals are welcome in all units. Contact our team to confirm pet availability for your unit.

Are the apartments furnished?

All the shared spaces within our shared homes come furnished - you always get to choose though the furnishing status of your own room! If you are interested in a studio or a 1-bed apartment, you get to choose the furnishing status of the entire space.

Is there A/C, heating, elevator, in-unit laundry, or any other amenities?

Some properties do while others don’t. The best way to find out about a specific home is to either read the home description of the unit you are interested in, where you will find all necessary information, or reach out to our team to help you with any specific requests!

Is there designated parking available?

Depending on the city, there are different parking options available. Some of our units do have available parking spots to rent along with your room/unit, which also rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Can subtenants install additional amenities like AC units?

Should you wish to have an A/C unit installed - we’ve got you covered! For an additional fee, we can install an AC unit for you! For anything else, please reach out to our team so they can inform you accordingly.

Are there options for shared accommodation in Chicago?

Yes—we offer shared apartments with private rooms in cities like New York, Boston, Washington DC, Los Angeles and more. All homes have common spaces like kitchens and living areas—ideal forstudent housing.

Can I book multiple rooms or the entire unit for a group?

Absolutely. Depending on availability, you can book several rooms or even the entire unit for shared living or group housing.

What is the total cost for a specific stay?

To make sure our pricing always remains competitive and well within market standards, we have adopted a dynamic pricing model. Once you have concluded on your move-in and move-out dates, you will know the total cost of your stay. If needed, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to help you find the best prices and total costs! Cool sidenote: we always charge everything on a prorated basis!

Are there discounts for longer leases or upfront payments?

We do run promos from time to time so keep an eye out for the golden email! You can also reach out to our Sales team to ask them for any ongoing promos.

Are utilities included in the rent?

No, utilities are not included in the rent and are charged separately, based on each unit’s consumption.

Are there any hidden fees or charges?

There are no additional fees or charges other than what we have already communicated to you during your application! You will know exactly what to expect on a monthly basis before you sign an agreement with us, with the exception of the bills which are based on consumption.

Do I need a credit score or guarantor? Is there a security deposit?

Yes, a credit score and proof of income are required for U.S. applicants. If you don’t meet the minimum credit requirements, a guarantor may be needed. A one-month refundable security deposit is also required and will be returned within 14 days of move-out, following a successful inspection to ensure there are no damages.

June Homes FAQ – Everything you need to know before renting

Whether you're searching for short term rentals, furnished apartments, temporary housing, or rooms for rent, June Homes makes it easy. Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand how it works.

Want to hear from our tenants? Check out our June Homes reviews to learn more about their experiences. If you're a landlord, explore our solutions for property owners!