What should I do before beginning my apartment search?

 Decide what qualities are important to you when choosing an apartment. Please consider the following:

• Proximity to campus
• Commute to and from campus – average time by public transportation vs. driving and parking
• The amount of your budget that you will allocate for living expenses - rent, utilities, parking fees, groceries, etc.
• Apartment amenities - carpet  vs. hardwood floors, size, building type, pets allowed, closet size, microwave, etc.
• Building amenities - laundry & exercise facilities, security, included utilities, etc.
• Decide if you would like a roommate (See Roommate Questionnaire Sheet)

Now that I am aware of the PROS & CONS of using an Apartment Finder/Real-Estate Company, how should I use this information to secure the best apartment for me?

Price & Rental Incentive Comparison – if you are looking to save money, surf the Web sites of both the Apartment Finder Services and Property Management Companies. If a particular apartment building and rent rate catches your interest, make a blind phone call to confirm the rent amount, vacancies, and/or special offers, because information often changes before Web page updates occur. Sometimes a Property Management Company may offer special rental incentives such as: rental rebate coupons and/or security deposit fee waivers which may add up to bigger savings than what is commonly offered through an Apartment Finder Service. Contact Property Management Companies first.

When should I begin looking?

You should begin looking 3 to 5 months prior to your desired move-in date. This can help you to narrow down your options, take advantage of special rental incentives, determine your target rent range, and save money for your move-in and relocation expenses. This will also reduce the likelihood of making spur of the moment decisions, which can sometimes lead to a choice that may not be the most satisfying.

What neighborhoods should I consider when choosing a living location?

You should consider a community that fits your particular needs and lifestyle. For example, if you do not own a car, then you should consider living in an area that has stores and recreational events close by. Some neighborhoods further from campus may offer lower rent rates, but you should also weigh the pros and cons of public transportation or driving verses living within walking distance. 

How can I find out about neighborhood safety?

Visit the Chicago Crime Web site at: http://www.chicagocrime.org. This site provides a searchable database of reported crime in Chicago neighborhoods. You can search by street address and/or zipcode.  For neighborhoods outside of Chicago, you may need to search for the town's city Web page and retrieve incident information reported from that town's police department.

Where do most Feinberg students live?

Most Feinberg students spend the majority of their day on campus and prefer to live within walking distance, particularly during their first year of medical school. Apartment complexes near campus charge monthly parking fees between $200 -$300. Many students do not own cars and use public transportation to travel to other places in the city.  Below is a neighborhood chart that lists the most popular neighborhoods in which students choose to live. The neighborhoods are listed in order of popularity from top to bottom:

There are so many things to consider when renting an apartment. What are some helpful tips to know prior to leasing and moving in?

Be Aware of ALL Leasing Fees and Procedures

Most apartment complexes require that a lessee under 23 years old have a co-signer. Most management companies have applications listed on their Web site. If you decide to rent an apartment that you have only seen pictures of, make sure those pictures are of the unit you will lease.        

Required Fees

Application Fee: $50 - $100

Move-in Fee: $375-$500

Security Deposit: Based on requirements set by property manager/landlord (sometimes first and last month’s rent is required)

Optional Fees

Pet Deposit: $250 - $300 (some leases do not allow pets or only allow pets as designated by lease)

Apartment Complex Parking Per Month (Streeterville/Gold Coast) up to $300 per month

Fitness Center Fee: $60 and up per month

Apartment Hunting Trips and Placing a Security Deposit

Carry your checkbook and identification just in case you need to place a deposit quickly to secure the apartment so that it won’t be taken by the time you return with your money. Be prepared to pay first and last month’s rent or a move-fee. Get the terms of your security deposit in writing, just in case you change your mind about leasing the apartment. Some security deposits are only partially or non-refundable.

Before Signing a Lease: Your lease is a business contract so make sure you treat it as such. Review the terms of your lease carefully. Get all items, especially those listed below, in writing and dated appropriately including promises for future repairs. 

• Your dates of occupancy
• Rent rate
• Security deposit amount
• Payment of utilities, maintenance, and repair responsibilities
• Sublease rules
• Pet policy
• Automatic renewal clause
• Type of lease: joint vs. individual
• Prior tenant notification prior to building staff entry to apartment unit.

If you need clarification on any part of your lease be sure to ask questions before signing.

If you notice any problems with your apartment unit and need repairs get those documented in writing.

Conduct a walk-through with your property manager/landlord and use a checklist to confirm the conditions of the apartment prior to moving in. Get the property manager to confirm those conditions by signing and dating the checklist.

Keep a copy of your list and other apartment documentation for your records.

Become familiar with your city’s Landlord-Tenant Ordinance booklet, or where to retrieve one. Most cities keep their information at their Civic Center or post online. The City of Chicago Clerk’s Office keeps theirs posted online at: www.cityofchicago.org  or visit The Metropolitan Tenants Organization Web page at www.tenants-rights.org

Utilities

Some property management companies include utilities in the cost of rent. For those buildings that do not cover utilities, you will need to make arrangements to activate service on your own.  Listed below is contact information for local providers:

Telephone Service Providers

AT&T (800) 244-4444 (also provides Yahoo Internet service)

RCN (866) 726-1001

Electricity

Commonwealth Edison (800) 334-7661

Heat and Cooking Gas

People’s Energy  (866) 556-6001

Cable

Check with property manager for service provider information

Renter’s Insurance

Some apartment complexes require that you have renter’s insurance to cover the cost of your belongings in the event of a fire or other catastrophe.  Check with your apartment leaser or an insurance agent (e.g., State Farm, Allstate, or  American Family, etc.) for details about a rental insurance policy. 

Apartment/Building Types

Below are definitions to describe the building types and apartment layouts. This may be helpful to know before choosing to visit a building.

• High Rise – buildings that consist of 20 floors or more (most buildings close to campus are high rise buildings)
• Two Flat/Three Flat – a building usually consisting of 3-6 apartments per floor in a two or three story building.
• Modern- apartment buildings erected after 1950
• Vintage – apartment buildings erected before 1950
• Independent Rental – a building that is managed by the sole owner or landlord
• Studio- an apartment with a main living area that does not have a separated bedroom
• Convertible – an apartment that has a partition that separates the sleeping area from the main living area