When you are ready to fill out an
application, be prepared to provide the
following: the last two years of employment and landlord
history, a photo ID and your social security number for credit
purposes. This information remains with Chicago Apartments and
Condos and is only shared with the management company or
landlord who will approve or deny you for the apartment. We do
not sell information or phone numbers. Also be prepared to pay
the first month's rent and a forty dollar application fee. It is
the first month's rent AND completed application that take the
apartment off the market. Without the first month's rent, the
application cannot be processed or presented to the landlord or
management company. The first month's rent is completely
refundable if you are denied for the apartment by the landlord
or management company.
Be sure to thoroughly fill out the
application. This includes providing all the information
requested on the form as well as any additional information
required. This information may include, but is not limited to:
bank statements if you are currently seeking employment, an
offer letter if you have accepted but not yet started a new job,
or student loan information if you will be utilizing loans to
pay your rent. Our processing department will let you know
exactly what to provide.
A co-signor or extra deposit may be required.
In some cases, a landlord or management company may require a
co-signor. If this is the case, you will be notified and given an
application to give to your co-signor. That application will be
processed and presented to the landlord or management company along
with your application. If an extra deposit is required by the
landlord or management company, our processing department will let
you know as soon as possible.
You can help expedite the approval process by
providing all the information requested on the application, letting
your landlord and place of employment know to expect our call and
having your co-signor fill out the co-signor application promptly
and thoroughly. The approval process can take anywhere from 1 to 3
days, depending on the availability of your information and the
landlord or management company to whom we present your application.
Once you are approved or denied, you will be notified promptly and
asked to come in to sign your lease.
You will not receive your keys, however,
until you have paid your security deposit/move-in fee and
are ready to move in. It is the policy of Chicago Apartments and
Condos, for security purposes, not to give out keys to occupied
apartments until the current tenant has moved out and you, the
new tenant, are ready to move in. In some cases, the landlord or
management company will hand out the keys. When this is the
case, when you get your keys varies depending on the company's
policies.
The amount of the security deposit varies.
Many landlords or management companies require a one month security
deposit, which you will receive back at the end of your lease term
with interest, provided there is no damage to the apartment. Some
may ask only for a non-refundable move-in fee. The agent from
Chicago Apartments and Condos will make you aware of which one is
required for the particular apartment you are interested in while
showing you the apartment, so there will be no surprises.
If your application is denied, you will be
notified with a phone call. You will also receive a letter of
rejection in the mail. This letter will be sent to the address you
provided on your application and will specify why the management
company or landlord denied your application.
