Chicago is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States and as such attracts thousands of people each day. The city is also a formidable financial center, making it a magnet for people seeking economic and career opportunities. Chicago has many different apartments that are great for any purpose and any size family. If you are looking to rent an apartment in Chicago, it is best to be armed with the necessary information required. One of them is knowing your credit score because Chicago apartments will run rental and credit history checks, not to mention criminal background checks as well. So where can you rent an apartment in Chicago if you have a previously broken lease, bad credit, or a criminal record?
There are many different locations within Chi-town where this is possible. The following areas have different apartment rental houses that cater to applicants with poor rental history, bad credit, or criminal records:
- downtown chicago
- South side
- City center
- south west
- Bridesburg
A challenge many people with poor rental records or less than perfect credit face is where to locate apartments that are willing to work with them. This is because many second chance apartments in Chicago do not advertise that they work with people with imperfect credit. This leaves applicants guessing which can be an expensive and frustrating exercise.
Techniques to find apartments with bad credit in Chicago
One way to find second chance apartments in Chicago is, of course, the Internet. This can also be tricky because not all websites are straightforward and apartment rental regulations are constantly being revised.
Another option is to hire an apartment locator. Usually, if you tell them what the problem is, they can find an apartment for you that can cater to people with past issues like broken leases, bad credit, or criminal records.
Important information to keep in mind
It is essential that you understand that even if the apartments are willing to work with poor credit and/or a blemished rental record, they will still require you to meet a few requirements:
- Have a job for at least six months prior
- Be earning at least 3 times the amount of rent
- Not be convicted of a violent crime or crime against minors
- If it is a felony, it has to be at least 5 years old.
Sometimes apartments will also require a hefty deposit and may increase your rent. But again, these requirements vary from apartment to apartment and from location to location.
Looking for apartments in Chicago that will get you approved despite a previous broken apartment lease, high-risk credit, or a criminal record?