READING RENTAL LISTINGS Here’s an example of an apartment listing and how to decipher what it means: 1BR LINCOLN PARK, HIGH CEILINGS, WD. FLOORS, GARDEN 2-FLAT. REF. REQ. 1MO DEPOSIT. NO PETS. WA/HEAT INCL. 1234 WRIGHTWOOD. CALL 555-312-1773.
This is a one-bedroom garden apartment in a Lincoln Park two-flat. The apartment has wood flooring and ceilings likely higher than 10 feet. The landlord requires at least one reference from a previous landlord and one month’s rent paid upfront as a deposit. Pets are not allowed, and water and heat are included in the monthly rental price of the apartment. Having the address of the unit allows you the opportunity to drive past the property to check out the building and the neighborhood. SOME MORE HINTS AND TERMS TO KNOW WHEN READING RENTAL ADS: 2-flat or 3-flat
Heat incl.
Stand-alone buildings that are 2 or 3 stories tall. Usually, all of the apartments in the building take up a full floor.
Heat included. Whenever possible, put any heat-included apartments at the top of your viewing list. Heating an apartment can become a huge cost during Chicago’s often 6-month-long winter, and it can easily increase your living costs by $200 a month. If you must choose between a heat-included apartment for $1,250 and an apartment without heat included for $1,200, the heated apartment is probably a much better deal even though it looks more expensive on paper.
Courtyard building Medium-sized, U-shaped buildings that surround a courtyard. They’re larger than 2- or 3-flats but are likely to have the same kind of charm. Garden apartment An apartment that is mostly below ground level so that your windows have an ant’s eye view of the garden or sidewalk. Not as bright as above-ground apartments, but these are also usually cheaper because they’re slightly less desirable. Close to transportation This is a subjective term, and you should take it upon yourself to figure out what this means. How close is close? One block? Eight blocks? What kind of transportation is nearby? A bus stop? Train stop? Or does “close” mean the L train is literally rumbling next to your bedroom window?
Water or appliances incl. Water or appliances are included here. In general, these things are included with most Chicago apartments. Some apartments with laundry in the building have quarter-operated machines, so make sure to factor that into your decision. Be wary of any listing that charges tenants for water or other appliances.
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