Chicago is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States and as such attracts thousands of people every day. The city is also a formidable financial center, making it a magnet for people seeking economic and professional opportunities. Chicago has many different apartments that are great for any purpose and any size of 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 conduct 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, poor 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 unflattering rental history, bad credit, or criminal records:
- downtown chicago
- South side
- City center
- south west
- Bridesburg
A challenge faced by many people who have poor rental histories or less than perfect credit 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 a costly 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 previous issues like broken leases, bad credit, or a criminal record.
Important information to keep in mind
It is essential that you understand that even if apartments are willing to work with poor credit and/or an imperfect rental record, they will still require you to meet a few requirements:
- Have a job for at least six months before
- Be earning at least 3 times the rent amount
- Not be convicted of a violent crime or crime against minors
- If it’s a felony, you have 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 locality to locality.
Looking for apartments in Chicago that will get you approved despite a previous broken apartment lease, poor credit, or a criminal record?