What you need before you start looking

Chicago landlords and property managers will ask for proof of income, a credit check, and references before they sign a lease with you. You do not need perfect credit to rent in Chicago, but you do need to be ready to show what you earn and who you are.

Gather these documents before you begin apartment hunting: a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing your income, and bank statements showing you have money in reserve. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years. If you do not have recent pay stubs, a job offer letter works, though some landlords will wait until you have been paid at least once.

You will also need references — usually a previous landlord and a personal reference. If you have never rented before, a manager from a job you held for at least a year can substitute. Write down their names, phone numbers, and what they will say about you before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago landlords typically require proof of income (pay stubs or job letter), a credit check, and at least one previous landlord reference before signing a lease.
  • Most leases in Chicago run for one year, and you will owe a security deposit equal to one month's rent plus the first month's rent upfront before you move in.
  • The Chicago Residential Tenants' Ordinance gives you specific rights: landlords must make repairs within 14 days, cannot retaliate if you report code violations, and must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out.
  • Scams are common — never wire money or use gift cards to hold an apartment, and always visit the unit in person before signing anything.
  • If a landlord refuses to make repairs or illegally withholds your deposit, you can file a complaint with the City of Chicago Department of Housing or pursue small claims court.

How to search for apartments and spot scams

Search on Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, but also walk or drive neighborhoods you like and look for "For Rent" signs. Many Chicago landlords, especially those with fewer than five units, do not list online. Neighborhood Facebook groups and Nextdoor often have rental posts too.

Scams happen constantly in Chicago rentals. Never send money before you have visited the apartment in person and met the landlord or property manager face-to-face. Do not wire money, use gift cards, or send cash through any app. If a listing is unusually cheap for the neighborhood, or if the person listing it cannot meet you at the property, it is almost certainly a scam.

Ask the landlord or agent for their business license number and verify it through the City of Chicago. Legitimate property managers are registered. If someone claims to own the building but cannot produce a lease or proof of ownership, walk away. Before you sign anything, confirm the person you are dealing with actually has the power to rent you the unit.

Understanding lease terms and what you will pay upfront

Chicago leases are almost always one year long. You will owe a security deposit (usually one month's rent), the first month's rent, and sometimes a non-refundable lease-signing fee of $50 to $150. Some landlords also charge a pet deposit if you have animals. Add these together — that is what you need in cash before you move in.

The lease itself will state the rent amount, the lease start and end dates, what utilities you pay, and what the landlord pays. In Chicago, landlords must pay for building maintenance, heat, and water. You typically pay for electricity and gas. Read the lease carefully and ask about anything unclear before you sign. Once you sign, you are bound to those terms for the full year.

Some leases include a clause about what happens if you break the lease early. Chicago law does not require landlords to let you out of a lease, but some will negotiate an early exit fee. Ask about this before you sign if you think you might move within the year.

The process and approval process

After you find an apartment you want, the landlord or property manager will give you an process form. Fill it out completely and honestly — landlords verify employment and run credit checks. Lying on an process can be grounds for eviction later, even if they do not catch it when ready.

The landlord will run a credit check, which costs them $20 to $50 and may cost you nothing or a small fee. They will contact your previous landlord and your employer. This usually takes three to seven business days. Some larger property management companies approve or deny applications within 24 hours; smaller landlords may take two weeks.

If you are denied, ask why. Chicago law does not require landlords to tell you the reason, but many will if you ask. If you believe you were denied because of your race, national origin, disability, or family status, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. If the denial was based on inaccurate credit information, you can dispute it with the credit bureau.

What happens at move-in and what your rights are

Before you hand over money, walk through the apartment with the landlord or property manager and document the condition. Take photos or video of any damage, stains, or broken items. The landlord should give you a written move-in inspection form to sign — this protects you when you move out, because it proves the damage was already there.

Under the Chicago Residential Tenants' Ordinance, your landlord must provide a habitable apartment. That means the roof, plumbing, heat, and electrical system must work. If something breaks after you move in, the landlord has 14 days to fix it. If it is an emergency (no heat in winter, no water, a gas leak), they must fix it within 24 hours or you can have it repaired and deduct the cost from rent.

You have the right to quiet enjoyment of the apartment, which means the landlord cannot enter without 24 hours' notice except in emergencies. You can have guests over, and you cannot be evicted for reporting code violations or requesting repairs. If a landlord tries to evict you for complaining about conditions, that is illegal retaliation.

Security deposit return and what to do if there are problems

When you move out, give the landlord written notice of your move-out date at least 30 days in advance. Clean the apartment and remove all your belongings. The landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. They can only deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear — not for cleaning, paint, or carpet if you lived there for years.

If the landlord does not return your deposit within 30 days and does not provide an itemized list, you can file a complaint with the City of Chicago Department of Housing or sue in small claims court. Small claims court in Cook County handles cases up to $10,000 and costs about $100 to file. You do not need a lawyer.

If your landlord refuses to make repairs, you can contact the City of Chicago Department of Buildings to request an inspection. If violations are found, the landlord must fix them or face fines. You can also file a complaint with the Department of Housing, which investigates tenant rights violations.

Tenant protections specific to Chicago

Chicago has stronger tenant protections than many cities. Landlords cannot evict you without going to court and winning a judgment. They cannot change the locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities — those are illegal "self-help" evictions. If a landlord tries any of these, contact the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Housing when ready.

You have the right to organize with other tenants and to contact city agencies about code violations without fear of retaliation. If you report a violation and the landlord tries to evict you within six months, the law presumes it is retaliation, and the burden is on the landlord to prove otherwise.

Chicago also has an Affordable Requirements Ordinance that requires new buildings over 10 units to include affordable units. If you earn less than 60 percent of the area median income, you may be able to rent an affordable unit in a new building. Contact the Department of Housing to learn about available units in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord charge me a fee just to look at the apartment?

No. Landlords cannot charge an process fee before you have actually submitted an process. They can charge a fee to run a credit check after you explore, but that fee must be reasonable and disclosed upfront. If they ask for money before you have even filled out an process, that is a red flag.

What if my landlord keeps my security deposit and won't give me an itemized list?

File a complaint with the City of Chicago Department of Housing or take the landlord to small claims court in Cook County. You can recover the deposit plus up to twice the amount in damages if the landlord acted in bad faith. Keep all written communication with the landlord as evidence.

Can my landlord evict me without going to court?

No. In Chicago, eviction requires a court order. If your landlord changes the locks, removes your belongings, or shuts off utilities, call the Chicago Police Department and report it as an illegal lockout. Contact the Department of Housing the same day.

What should I do if the apartment has problems when I move in?

Document everything with photos and give the landlord written notice of what needs to be fixed. Keep a copy for yourself. If the landlord does not fix it within 14 days, contact the City of Chicago Department of Buildings to request an inspection. Do not withhold rent without legal information first.

Am I protected if I report my landlord for code violations?

Yes. Chicago law prohibits retaliation for reporting violations. If your landlord tries to evict you, raise your rent, or decrease services within six months of your complaint, the law assumes it is retaliation. You can file a complaint with the Department of Housing or defend yourself in eviction court.