-Apartment websites rarely show the full picture when it comes to pricing. Fees, deposits, and other costs are often left out, and hidden restrictions can make you ineligible for certain units. We cut through all of that to show you only the options you actually qualify for.

-We’re market experts and licensed real estate agents. Your Smart City agent looks at apartments all day, every day. We’ve toured nearly every property in Chicago and know which ones have the best Lake Michigan views, which River North buildings have the best amenities, and which South Loop complexes are quietly the best deal in town. We also have access to unlisted deals—properties email us daily with specials that aren’t shared publicly.

-Websites like Apartments.com or Apartment List can’t match the level of personalization we provide. They don’t know your exact income, credit score, and background, so they often show you apartments you technically don’t qualify for, or prices and availability that aren’t up-to-date.

We recommend starting 90 days before your move-out date. You’ll see the best pricing and specials about 45 days before your ideal move-in date.

The best pricing is usually on 12-month leases or longer, and most move-in specials only apply to those terms. Short-term leases (6 months or less) are available but tend to cost more and rarely come with discounts.

Most apartments have standard breed restrictions, which often include:
Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Terriers, and Wolf Hybrids.

If your pet is an emotional support animal, we partner with Therapy Animal Hub to help you get $70 off an ESA letter, ensuring your pet can live with you even if your building has strict breed rules. Use code SMARTCITY at checkout!

 Expect to pay a refundable pet deposit ($100–$500), a nonrefundable pet fee ($100–$500), and monthly pet rent of $35–$55 per pet.

Most Chicago apartments require your gross monthly income (before taxes) to be at least three times the monthly rent. For example, to rent a $1,500 apartment, you’d typically need to make $4,500 per month. If you don’t meet the income requirement, you may still qualify with a guarantor or co-signer.

Absolutely! Think of us as your boots on the ground. We can take virtual tours on your behalf, meet you in person if you choose to visit, and keep you in the loop with everything you need to know about Chicago neighborhoods, commute times, and hidden-gem properties.

While we recommend starting your search about 90 days before your move, Chicago rental market has some seasonal patterns worth noting.

-Best months for deals: Late fall and winter (November–February) often have lower demand, meaning better specials and more negotiable pricing.

-Busiest months: Summer (May–August) is peak moving season in Chicago, especially around college graduations and corporate relocation cycles, which means more options but higher prices.

-Pro tip: If you find a great rate, lock it in quickly. Chicago’s most desirable units can lease in 24–48 hours.

In most Chicago apartments, heat, water, and trash are commonly included in the rent, while electricity, internet, and cable are usually your responsibility to set up. Gas may or may not be included, depending on the property—older walk-ups often include it, while newer high-rises typically bill it separately.

Electric service in Chicago is provided by ComEd (Commonwealth Edison), the city’s primary utility. Natural gas service is typically through Peoples Gas, unless you’re in a surrounding suburb served by Nicor Gas.

Average monthly utility costs in Chicago:
-Electricity: $80–$120 (higher in summer if you run AC often)
-Gas/heat: $50–$90 (higher in winter months)
-Internet: $50–$80

Common internet providers in Chicago include Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, and RCN (Astound Broadband), with availability depending on your exact neighborhood.

When you work with Smart City, our Concierge team can help you confirm which utilities are included for your apartment, determine your specific service providers, and find you the best deals for your needs. Plus, we’ll handle all the setup.

Smart City Concierge is our free, post-lease support service that helps you handle all the “adulting” that comes with moving. Once you’ve signed your lease, our Concierge team will find you deals and set up your utilities. We can also score discounts on vetted moving companies, renters’ insurance providers, and other local resources, saving you hours of research and phone calls.