On the hunt for a Chicago apartment? Before scheduling a tour, there are several steps to take to ensure you don’t apply without a plan. From unexpected fees to loud noise levels, these oversights can turn into preventable problems after you move in.
This Chicago apartment tour checklist will break down everything you need to stay organized, ask the right questions, and confidently evaluate each place so you can make a well-informed decision.
Chicago Apartment Tour Checklist: How to Prepare & Why It’s Important
Below is a complete Chicago apartment tour checklist, so you don’t miss out on your dream place or make a costly mistake.
What to Look for When Touring an Apartment in Chicago
Below are the top things to look for inside and outside the property when touring an apartment in Chicago.
Unit Condition
First on the Chicago apartment tour checklist is confirming the unit you’re looking at is the one that you’ll be potentially moving into. A landlord or leasing agent may show a model unit with the same floorplan if it’s currently occupied, undergoing renovations, or still under construction.
If the unit isn’t a model apartment, check its current condition for the following:
•Walls, Ceilings, & Floors: Cracks, stains, and water damage
•Windows & Seals: Drafts, condensation, and locks
•Corners, Cabinets, & Under Sinks: Pest or mold signs
•Appliances: Age, brand, and functionality
Looking at these areas isn’t just about aesthetics. It impacts your livability by preventing unexpected maintenance issues and move-in disputes.
Water Pressure & Plumbing
An area that’s commonly overlooked during an apartment viewing is its water pressure and plumbing condition. It ensures your daily comfort is supported without unexpected issues when moving in, and it’s easy to do!
Simply check the following:
•Turn on the sink faucets and shower to test the water pressure
•Run the hot water to check its heating time
•Look underneath the sinks for leaks
•Flush the toilets for functionality
Unit Layout & Functionality
Chicago apartment designs vary by property, so it’s important to confirm if its layout and functionality will work for your lifestyle based on the following:
•Floorplan Size: If your existing furniture will fit in a smaller unit, which is common in the city
•Natural Light: Amount of natural sunlight based on the window directions and total number of windows, so you know how many lighting fixtures you’ll need to buy
•HVAC & Thermostat: Test the vents, airflow, and thermostat controls to ensure heating/cooling works properly—which is critical in Chicago’s extreme seasonal temperatures
•Outlets: Check the number of outlets and how they’re placed in each room, so you know if there are enough accessible power sources for all your electronics
Storage Space
Many Chicago apartments are smaller, so looking at the various storage options is key to maximizing space. Look at the closet size and organization system to determine if it’s suitable for your wardrobe needs. Check the kitchen and bathroom cabinets to see if there’s enough room for your daily routine.
Some apartment properties offer separate storage units or lockers as an amenity, so ask the tour guide if this is available. This information is crucial to know before moving in if you’re downsizing from a house to an apartment, so you can plan accordingly. It also helps you know how to decorate small apartments without feeling constricted.
Noise Levels
As a major city, Chicago can have higher noise levels, which is normal, but essential to consider when touring an apartment. However, there are ways to minimize noise based on the unit you’re considering.
For example, if you’re touring a high-rise building, upper floors tend to be quieter since they’re further away from the streets. You should also listen to the hallway and neighborhood noise levels when inside the unit. This step helps you understand how it’ll impact your mood and overall livability.
Apartment Building Condition & Amenities
In addition to the unit, you should check the building’s condition when touring an apartment, especially in older buildings. It determines how well the property is maintained and the quality of the landlord or property management company.
During your tour, look for the following:
•Hallway and shared space cleanliness
•Elevator condition and speed
•Laundry facility cleanliness and appliance age/brand
•Mail/package area to see how they’re handled
•Security system (key fob, cameras, intercom, on-site staff, building access)
Chicago Neighborhood Location
After checking the unit and building quality, confirm if the apartment’s location is best for your lifestyle.
There are many Chicago rental neighborhoods with unique living conditions that are necessary to consider before moving in, including:
•Walkability
•Public transportation proximity
•Parking availability (street, garages, lots)
•Nearby construction sites
•Grocery stores, pharmacies, retail, etc.
•Entertainment, parks, lakeside beaches
•Work commute time
Remember, your quality of living heavily depends on the location of the Chicago apartment.
What to Ask When Touring an Apartment in Chicago
Preparing the right questions to ask on an apartment tour in Chicago helps you better understand the expectations of living there and their property policies.
Apartment Lease Questions
An apartment lease agreement varies per property, so ask the following about their key clauses and terms:
•What utilities are included in rent?
•Is there an application fee?
•Are there move-in fees and/or security deposits?
•How much does rent typically increase at renewal?
•What amenities do you offer?
These questions help you prepare your budget and prevent surprise costs before signing.
Maintenance & Repair Questions
One of the benefits of renting an apartment is having your unit and building maintained.
However, it’s essential to know how the landlord or property manager’s process works to know how reliable they are, with the following questions:
•How do residents submit maintenance requests?
•What is your average response time?
•Do you offer 24-hour emergency maintenance?
Utility Cost Questions
Chicago winters and summers can have extreme temperatures that impact your apartment’s utilities.
During a tour, ask about the following to determine if it’s within your budget:
•What are the average monthly utility costs?
•Is the heat gas or electric?
•Are the utilities individually metered?
This utility information gives you a better idea of the living expenses year-round.
Apartment Building Policy Questions
Chicago apartments have different building policies based on the landlord or property management company.
Whether you’re moving into the city with a pet or considering subletting, ask the following policy-related questions to understand their flexibility and living requirements:
•Pet Policy: Do you allow pets? What are your pet policy fees? Are there breed restrictions?
•Guest Policy: Are there specific policies for overnight stays or long-term guests?
•Subletting Policy: Do you allow residents to sublet their apartment if they’ll be travelling long-term?
•Policy Violations: What are your clauses if a resident breaks a building and/or unit policy?
•Renter’s Insurance: Do you require renters’ insurance before moving in, or if I have a pet?
Move-In Questions
Depending on the property and building policy, Chicago apartments will vary in their move-in requirements.
Ask the following moving-related questions so you can make it a smooth process:
•Are there move-in time restrictions?
•Do you require a freight elevator when moving in? Does it require a reservation?
•Can I park outside the building while moving in?
What to Bring On an Apartment Tour in Chicago
When touring Chicago apartments, there are a few items you should bring with you:
•Phone for taking photos and videos of the unit, building, and exterior, so you can review them after you leave
•Driver’s license or government-issued ID, so you can apply instantly if you’re happy with the property and if it’s competitive
•This apartment tour checklist to mark each step complete so you’re well-informed before applying and signing a lease
Top Tips for First-Time Renters in Chicago
Are you a first-time apartment renter in Chicago? Keep these key tips in mind during your apartment search, so you’re fully prepared.
Plan Your Budget Before Touring
Do you know how much rent you can afford in Chicago? If not, you’ll need to calculate your rent-to-income ratio. As best practice, 30% of your gross monthly income should be for rent, which is how it’s reviewed during apartment rental applications.
You should also use the 50-30-20 rule to calculate the estimated budget needed for living expenses based on your after-tax income:
•50% for Necessities: Groceries, car payments, healthcare insurance, and utilities
•30% for Spending: Take-out food, shopping, and entertainment
•20% for Financial Security: 401(k), savings, student loans, and credit card payments
Skip the manual math. Use our rent affordability calculator so you know how much to save up and what you can realistically pay for.
Start Your Apartment Search in Chicago Early
Chicago’s peak move-in season is from May to October. We recommend starting your apartment search before to help you avoid a competitive rental market. As best practice, start touring apartments at least 60 days before your move-out date to avoid rushing or settling into a place you aren’t fully satisfied with.
Understand Chicago Move-In Fees vs. Security Deposits
Security deposits are additional money you have to put down to rent an apartment on top of the first month of rent. They often cost one month’s rent, requiring you to save up a total of two months to move in. As long as you follow the building policy, lease agreement, and keep the unit in good condition, security deposits are refundable.
However, less than half of Chicago landlords only charge move-in fees instead of security deposits, which are typically half of a month’s rent, but non-refundable. Confirming this during an apartment viewing will determine how much you need to save before signing the lease.
Get Renters’ Insurance
We highly recommend enrolling in a renters’ insurance plan as a first-time apartment renter in Chicago. It not only protects your personal property for unexpected emergencies for as low as $19 per month on average, but it can also help streamline your application process since you don’t have a history of renting.
Have an Available Co-Signer if Needed
If you haven’t rented an apartment before, your application may not get approved due to no credit, a weak credit score, or a lower monthly income that’s less than 30% of the rent. Asking a family member to be an available co-signer can help you get approved for your dream Chicago apartment. It provides the landlord with the added insurance that if you can’t pay rent suddenly, they’ll take the financial responsibility to pay it for you.
Consider Chicago Location Over Apartment Size
With 77 diverse Chicago districts, it’s critical to prioritize the right location over the apartment size for your needs as a first-time renter. The Chicago lifestyle is neighborhood-driven, from lakefront living to vibrant nightlife, so making this a top priority is recommended to ensure it’s the right fit.
Touring Apartments in Chicago FAQs:
How Long Are Apartment Tours?
An apartment tour typically takes 30 minutes or less when viewing the unit, building, and exterior.
How Many Apartments Should I Tour?
You should tour at least three to five Chicago apartments to compare your options as best practice.
Can You Tour an Apartment Before Applying?
Yes, you can tour an apartment before applying, and it’s highly recommended so you’re not moving in blind.
What Questions Should I Ask When Touring an Apartment in Chicago?
The questions to ask when touring an apartment in Chicago should include:
•Apartment Lease Questions: Do you charge application fees? Are there move-in fees or a security deposit? What amenities are offered?
•Utility Questions: What utilities are included? What are the average monthly utility costs?
•Maintenance & Repair Questions: How do I submit maintenance requests? What’s your average response time? Do you have 24/7 emergency maintenance?
•Building Policy Questions: What are your pet, smoking, guest, and subletting policies?
•Moving Requirement Questions: Are there move-in time restrictions or freight elevator reservations required? Can I park in front of the building while moving?
Tour Your New Chicago Apartment Home Easily With TLC Management Co.
At TLC Management Co., we have over 30 properties within the Chicagoland area, providing the local expertise to find you the perfect place to live. As property owners and managers, we provide a premium renting experience for our residents—as it should be.
Our apartment amenities are diverse and convenient for various lifestyles, including:
•No security deposit required and flexible lease terms
•Pet-friendly policies, lakefront living, and tree-lined walkways
•Walk-in closets with organizer shelving, in-unit laundry, and oversized windows
Ready to start your search?
Browse our Chicago apartments or contact us at iinfo@chicagorentals.com to schedule a tour with us today!
