The Search Process - Tips and Steps
Step 1: Complete a Virtual Training - Apartment Search Interactive Guide
We have developed a virtual training for you to complete at your convenience. This training covers the basics of the apartment search process, responsible hosting, and your rights as a tenant. Consider starting here to learning the basics and to educate yourself on your rights and responsibilities in the City of Chicago: Online Interactive Guide - Apartment Search
General Overview of the Apartment Search Process
Before starting your search, we advise you to consider the followings steps:
First Decisions
- Identify potential roommates (review our Off-Campus Listing Page here).
- Determine expectations, responsibilities, and preferences.
- Identify your ideal neighborhood or region. The following resources can be helpful in identifying your new neighborhood.
- A Guide to Chicago Neighborhoods
- Interested in learning more about the crime statistics for a prospective apartment? On the Chicago Police Department – Clear Map Crime Incidents webpage, you can search a community, address, park, and etc. for crime statistics. Visit the site here.
Searching
- Establish your “non-negotiables” – what does your future home need to have?
- Develop a “walk through” checklist for your apartment search.
- Inspect the unit or any signs of rodent or insect infestation (i.e. chew marks or droppings).
- Bring a phone charger to test available outlets.
- Check doors/windows for possible drafts or gaps.
- Test water pressure in the unit by briefly running the water in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Confirm that apartment appliances are functional (i.e. microwave, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.)
- Visit commuter.uic.edu for more tips and resources.
- Obtain any changes to your lease in writing. Connect with UIC Student Legal Services (SLS) for support.
Searching as an International Student
As an international. Student, you may not have the standard applicant materials that an apartment agency/landlord may require, like an SSN or a U.S. credit score. However, we do have an "international student-friendly" filter on our Off-Campus Housing platform that can help search for agencies/landlords that are more flexible with these materials. In addition to your I-20, here are some other documents you can offer to help a landlord verify your viability as a tenant:
- A completed rental application
- A copy of your passport/visa
- Your acceptance/admission letter from your college at UIC
- A letter of employment stating if you will work on campus (if relevant)
- Scholarships or other funding documents
- A letter of recommendation from: a credit reference, a landlord reference, or a personal reference
- Recent bank statements or pay stubs
Moving In
- Secure renter’s insurance.
- Research utility options.
- Gas, electric, cable, internet, etc.
- Activate your utilities.
Living Well
- Review the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors and exchange preferred contacts.
- Notify your neighbors if you plan to host a gathering.
- Provide an anticipated start time and end time.
- Offer a direct contact for neighbors to connect with you directly should they experience an issue (i.e. noise or trash from guests).
- For further guidance on how to be a Good Neighbor, visit here.