5 FAQ About Touring Downtown Chicago Apartments

It’s best to be prepared to apply for a luxury apartment and take it off the market before touring with a Luxury Living Chicago team member. Most people have the same questions, especially when moving to Chicago, so we have the answers for 5 FAQ about touring downtown Chicago apartments:

• What should I bring on tour?

Everyone who tours apartments must have a government-issued photo ID. It’s also a good idea to bring a notepad for notes and cellphone or camera to take photos. A full day of showings can make recollections of apartments run together and get confused. If you have a large desk or dining room table, bring a tape measure so that you can be confident that the furniture piece will fit where you want.

• What do I need to apply for an apartment?

If you’re planning on securing an apartment when you tour, bring these items on tour as well: a credit card or checkbook for application fees, information about your rental history, and three recent paychecks or bank statements to verify income, or if you’re starting a new job an offer letter will be fine.

• How do I set a budget?

Most downtown Chicago apartments require a monthly income at least three times greater than the monthly rent. We advise our clients not to spend more than 33% of their monthly income on rent and also to remember that not all of the costs are included in rent- utilities and parking are additional. Try out our rent calculator to get started.

• How much should I expect to spend on utilities?

Utility packages vary greatly from building to building and can include just a few things or almost everything. The best utility packages bundle together: gas, water, sewer, trash removal, cable, and internet. For a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Chicago, expect to pay anywhere from $80-$125.

• Where should I live?

Chicago has so many amazing neighborhoods; this is a genuinely tough decision. Even deciding to live downtown Chicago doesn’t totally narrow it down. From the West Loop to River North, learn more about Chicago neighborhoods and read about the advantages of living close to work.

To learn more about the process of securing a downtown apartment, download our Relocation Guide. The Luxury Living Chicago team will provide guidance and unparalleled service each step of the way when searching for the perfect apartment in Chicago.