The best way to find eviction friendly apartments in Chicago is through a second chance apartment locator.
The strong tenant protections in Chicago unfortunately work against renters with prior evictions. Landlords fear that renters with past evictions will break their lease conditions again.
Most apartment managers want to avoid losing thousands of dollars during the lengthy eviction process and many will only accept responsible tenants with clean rental histories.
Recommended Way To Find Eviction Friendly Apartments Chicago
It’s really tough to find apartments in Chicago on your own once you’ve got an eviction on your record.
Working with a professional who knows the rental policies of landlords and property managers will streamline the entire process because you’ll only fill out applications for apartments that will accept your eviction and credit history.
Talk To Chicago Broken Leases
Chicago Broken Leases may be able to help you find your next apartment in the city through their network of eviction-friendly landlords.
How much does this service cost? This service is free to you because the apartment locators get paid a finders fee by the landlord when you sign your lease.
Are recent evictions OK? You’ll have more options if your eviction is at least 1 year old (the older the better) but some apartments they work with will take more recent evictions.
What about unpaid balances? If you still owe money to a previous landlord, you’ll have fewer apartments willing to work with you. Many landlords with evictions OK apartments in Chicago have a limit of $1,500 – $2,000 still owing in back rent. Pay off unpaid rent if you can.
Start your apartment search by filling out the inquiry form at: https://www.chicagobrokenleases.com/
Rent From Private Landlords in Chicago
Contacting private landlords is another good way to find second chance apartments in Chicago.
Find private landlords by searching rental listing sites and by looking for:
- Leasing signs on apartment buildings
- For rent signs in windows
- Ads on noticeboards in neighborhood stores
Don’t limit yourself to apartments. Private landlords usually rent houses and rooms. The more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have.
When you rent from a private landlord, you’ll usually deal directly with the owner, which gives you a chance to explain your situation and show proof that you’ll be a reliable tenant. You may need to offer a higher security deposit to offset the landlord’s risk.
Prepare all of your documents in advance:
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Reference letters
- Proof the eviction was beyond your control (if applicable)
- Employment information
Ask about the approval process before you apply. If a landlord only wants to see your paystubs to check that you make 2.5 or 3 times the rent, you can go ahead and apply.
But if they want to run a background check, be honest about your eviction and ask if they’ll approve you before you pay the application fee.
See Also: San Antonio apartments for Broken lease/Eviction
Avoid scams – Never pay a security deposit, move-in fee, or reservation fee until you’ve viewed the property in person.
Find private landlords advertising on:
- Craigslist – https://chicago.craigslist.org/
- Facebook Marketplace – https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/chicago/
- HotPads – https://hotpads.com/chicago-il/for-rent-by-owner
- PadMapper – https://www.padmapper.com/apartments/chicago-il
- Rentable – https://www.rentable.co/chicago-il
- com – https://www.forrent.com/find/IL/metro-Chicago/Chicago
- com – https://www.rent.com/illinois/chicago-houses
- Zillow – https://www.zillow.com/chicago-il/rent-houses/
Use the filter options where provided to see results for houses, condos, and rooms, or rent by owner.
A lot of Chicago real estate has been snapped up by investors in recent years, so many houses are listed by property management companies.
It’s still worth calling to see if they’ll work with evictions, but focusing your efforts on individual owners will get you better results.
Extended Stay Hotels
Extended stay hotels offer an alternative to apartments that accept evictions in Chicago. These compact suites come fully furnished and include all bills. Rent week-to-week or month-to-month for as long as you need.
The best value extended stay in the Chicago area is InTown Suites located at Elk Grove Village, 40 minutes outside downtown Chicago and the Loop.
- Low weekly and monthly rates
- No credit check
- No lease
- Accepts cash
- Fully furnished
- Weekly housekeeping
- Free phone calls
- Utilities included
- High-speed internet
- HD TV
- In-room kitchen
Address: 2411 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Website: https://www.intownsuites.com/extended-stay-hotels/illinois/elk-grove-village/ohare/
Airbnb Monthly Rentals
Rent condos, rooms, and houses in the Chicago area without worrying about your credit report or rental history.
Airbnb monthly rentals offer a big discount on the regular rates for short stays, and all bills are included.
You can even book without talking to the owner first by selecting the Instant Book option.
- Go to https://www.airbnb.com/chicago-il/stays/monthly
- Enter Chicago (or a surrounding suburb) as your location
- Enter check-in and check-out dates at least 1 month apart
- Click the filter button on the results page
- Set your price range and other preferences
- Select Instant Book (if required)
- Click on listings to see the fully discounted prices
To rent through Airbnb, you’ll need to provide your ID, agree to a criminal background search, and pay for your first rent period when you book. Subsequent rent is also paid in advance.
Also See: Apartments in Las Vegas that accept Evictions
Alex Graham is a co-founder and manages high-quality content that helps once evicted/ex-felons find a place to call. home. Alex believes even if he can help one person return to a good, wholesome life it is well worth the effort.