I'm hoping to get some advice on how to handle a frustrating situation with my landlord. I've been renting a unit in Chicago, and for the past 25 days, I've been trying to get them to address a formaldehyde issue in my bedroom. Here's a breakdown of what's happened so far:

Here’s the background:

• Formaldehyde Problem: Shortly after moving in, I started noticing a strong formaldehyde odor while sleeping. I bought an air quality test kit, and the formaldehyde concentration inside the closet was 0.15 mg/m³, higher than the recommended limit set by the WHO. I’m exposed to this for at least 8 hours each night, which raises serious health concerns.
• Landlord Situation: The landlord is a private landlord who doesn’t rent properties as his main job, but he employed an agent to manage the unit. The agent initially said they would look into getting a professional test done, but it’s been over 25 days now with no real action.

Agent’s Response:

The agent’s most recent reply was:

• A professional test is expensive ($750), and if formaldehyde levels aren’t high, it would be a “waste of money.”
• The furniture is new, only about 3 years old, and the previous occupant didn’t report any issues.
• The owner doesn’t want to dispose of the furniture, and if it’s moved out, there would be additional costs for storage.

This response makes me feel like they aren’t really interested in resolving the problem, and it’s frustrating. My best goal is to have the furniture moved out since I believe it’s the source of the formaldehyde. I don’t want to end the lease and move again right now, but if the issue isn’t resolved soon, I may have to consider terminating the lease.

My Attempts to Resolve:

• I reached out to the Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing (LCBH), but after they promised to draft a 14-day letter, they stopped responding.
• I’ve sent follow-up emails to the agent, but their response is always they’re still processing.

Any Advice?

I’m feeling stuck and incredibly frustrated. What legal actions can I take to force my landlord to address this? Are there any organizations in Chicago, especially Hyde Park that could help push them to resolve the issue, or should I consider legal action?

Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading.

So like the title implies I sent my holding deposit September 14th for a first floor unit. Signed a holding deposit agreement as well. Submitted remaining balance of 2700 dollars this week through apartments.com portal as of yesterday. It had already been agreed upon with property manager that (and written on deposit agreement) that I would move in on the 11th of this month (October) for the first floor unit. I then get a call from property manager today that someone has already moved in that apartment on the 30th of last month and that they can offer me the 2nd floor unit which has already been added to the lease they’ve sent me (which I have not seen at all) I feel scammed!!! I am at a loss. I have requested a full refund because at minimum this is just bad business. They say they have to wait until the funds are deposited into they’re bank account from the portal but I feel like that’s BS since I zelled the deposit on the 14th and I can see that some of the balance has already been deposited to them today! What should/can I do!? Please help/advise!

(And yes I’ve seen the apartment beforehand everything seemed legit up until today)

Hey. I have a friend, single mom, with 2 children. One of them has a disability.

Does anyone know of what resources she could use, or apts available now?

I am currently looking at ARO units which I know have a long waitlist, does anyone know tips or loop holes around this?

I'm a first-year grad student at UChicago who is absolutely frustrated with the housing situation in HP. It seems like it is impossible to afford your own place here (studio/1 bedroom) without forgoing important amenities (in-unit washer/dryer, garage parking, etc) unless you want to (and are able to) spend $3k a month on rent for Solstice/5252/City Hyde Park. Even if your budget is $1.5k to $2k a month, pretty much the best you can get is Vue53, Regents Park, or Hyde Park Tower. Vue53 has the in-unit washer/dryer and parking garage, but is insanely (about $400) overpriced for what it is, and Regents Park seems terrible from the reviews (mold, roaches, poor maintenance, shitty appliances, etc). Hyde Park Tower seems really nice, but does not have the in-unit washer/dryer available. Pretty much all that's left are other extremely old units which are often owned by Mac and Ivy--and often have numerous reviews about pest infestations, or you have to have like 3-4 roommates and share a bathroom with two people in a nicer condo/townhome/apartment.

When I was looking at apartments months ago, I was told that Hyde Park would be the best option, because it is "affordable," close to campus, convenient, and the place to be as a student. I'm not finding the affordable part to be true at all. South Loop, West Loop, and a few neighborhoods on the north side of Chicago all have a plethora of options for nice studios in the $1.7k to $1.8k range with in-unit washers/dryers and parking garages--some of which are offering up to two months free, whereas Hyde Park is severely lacking in units, and the nice buildings that do exist (Solstice, CHP, 5252) are insanely overpriced relative to similar buildings in other Chicago neighborhoods.

I actually came from a high COL area (DC metro area), and my experience has been that Chicago's rental market is even more outrageous than the DC area's rental market right now. There's no shortage of units that fit my criteria in DC, Arlington, etc at $2k a month, whereas in Chicago, it's pretty bad in a lot of the neighborhoods--even in neighborhoods people wouldn't expect, like Hyde Park.

So tl:dr, are there any apartments in Hyde Park for a solo grad student that offer safety, convenience, in-unit laundry, and no roach issues? At this point, I am possibly willing to forgo the parking garage if there is good enough street or lot parking available. Should I just take the L (as in the loss, not the transit system) and commute to campus from West/South Loop?

I live in an apartment that has 6 residences and about 2 dozen artists studios on each of the six floors. A year ago, I rented an additional artist studio from my landlord. The space ended up costing me more than it was worth, so I didn't renew the lease after a year. Per the landlord's request and to avoid a $3000 painting fee, I matched the paint and touched up any marks. A month after my move-out, I get a letter via email saying that $750 is going to be deducted from my deposit for painting. The issue is not only financial, but also upon principle. I deliberately took the time to repair and make the repairs, and this landlord didn't even look at the unit before sending in someone to "paint." I took videos and pictures and he claims the paint is "not the right color." Additionally, I want to avoid this went I move out of my residential apartment. Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed? If it means anything, part of my lease says this is not an RLTO lease. How much could I try to get back in small claims court if that is the route I go?

Hi I’m looking for a roommate or two+. I do not have gender preferences but I am femme. My current lease ends in feb but I’m flexible on starting a new lease give or take a month or so. Currently, my rent is 1300 and I’m hoping, with a roommate or two, to pay closer to $900. If it’s not close to $900, it won’t make much sense to me since I need roommates to make living more affordable. I have a dog who is very sweet but cant live with a cat and could only live with another calm dog. I’m most interested in Logan square, Humboldt, wicker park, etc and would ideally live close to 90 (I have a car). I’m in school working towards an undetermined compsci specialty. I work as a barista/ substitute teacher. I don’t have much of a social life but i read a lot, I like science fiction (movies/ books/ graphic novels), I like metal and have a more recent interest in techno. I mostly spend my time reading and studying. But I would enjoy a buddy who would like to explore Chicago with me. I hope to find roommate(s) with similar personality or interests (someone who is into oddities, is respectful, and communicates really directly). Ty for reading. You may reach on an insta (@xxiinos) I am not fake I just truly don’t have much of a social life lol

Hi! Posting here to hopefully find a roommate. I am looking to move at the end of October / early November and am looking for a roommate to find an apartment with

About me: I am 24F working downtown as a consultant (hybrid, going into the office 2-3 days a week). My budget is ~$1700 per month and I’m looking at west loop, river north, old town and Gold Coast. I am a very clean roommate who values having a clean space. I’m also looking and med-high amenity luxury apartments as I like having a gym and other amenities in my building

When I’m not working I like watching tv, going to the art museum, going to dinner / happy hour and working out. I’d love to be friends with my roommate and explore Chicago together

If you think we’d be a good match please PM me:)

Anyone live in oak Park Apartments like the Emerson or the Vantage? How are they? Are they 2 or 4 pipe buildings?

Hello! I am moving to Chicago soon and was looking at apartment applications and saw the following conditions. The bold statements related to the $400 document processing fee seem pretty off to me. If I am reading this right, it is $450 just to apply, even if I don't accept?

1. (1) The Application Fee of $50.00 per applicant is NON-REFUNDABLE for any reason.
2. (2) The Document Processing Fee of $****400.00 is NON-REFUNDABLE, unless this application is denied by Lessor. I understand and accept that the waiting period for any refunds is ten (10) business days from the date of denial of the application VIA corporate check sent by mail (USPS).
3. (3) I agree to pay the first full month’s rent via certified funds or Credit card within 24 hours of notification of approval of my application. I further understand that my approval may be revoked and I will not be refunded the Document Processing Fee if I do not pay the first full month’s rent within the period described here in.
4. (4) If applicant cancels or withdraws this application for lease, the document processing fee and the application fees, and if accepted, any rents paid up until the period of re-rental, will not be refunded and will be used, as liquidated damages, to offset the costs incurred by Horizon Realty Group (HRG) and/or its agents and third party brokers, if applicable. I understand that this application shall be incorporated in and become part of the Lease for the premises sought and if incorrect or untrue shall be grounds for termination of the Lease. By my signature below, I certify that the information contained herein is true and correct. I authorize HRG and/or its third party brokers to investigate and verify the information contained herein, and obtain an investigative consumer report, credit report, which may include information as to my character and general information. I authorize HRG to verify my income and landlord/mortgage histories.
5. (5) If applicant's Application Fee, Documentation Processing Fee or, any rental payments are returned as non-sufficient funds (NSF), the applicant will be charged a fee of $75.00 per NSF transaction.

Is this normal?

Edit: Thank you everyone for your input! I appreciate your help.

How can I find an apartment with a lease shorter than 12 months? I’m looking for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago, with a budget of under $1300. Ideally, it would have either a garage (free or paid) or paid parking nearby. In-unit laundry is a bonus but not essential. So far, I’ve mostly encountered scammers, difficult landlords (I’m currently dealing with one who deceived me), and landlords only offering 12-month leases. Any advice? Location doesn't matter as long as it's safe for a woman with a small build

Studio 1 Bath - Apartment 2200 rent

Onni Fulton Market, 355 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States

I am offering a sublease opportunity for my convertible apartment located in the heart of Fulton Market / West Loop. This is a great chance for someone looking for a conveniently located space in a building with top notch amenities.

Lease Duration is flexible but ideally : Mid October or November to September June 1, 2025 with option to start new lease at end of sublease

Utilities: • Internet: $65/month (mandatory through building’s provider) • Garbage, Sewer, Water, Gas: Metered ~$40/month • Electric: Through Comed ~$25-$35/month • Liability Waiver Fee: $12/month

Unit Features: • Spacious balcony with city view • Floor to ceiling windows • European Fulgor Milano built-in light wood finish kitchen appliances (dishwasher, fridge, microwave, garbage disposal) • In-unit Samsung washer and dryer • Large bathroom with vanity and tons of storage room • Spacious closet • Heating and air conditioning

Building Features: Onni Fulton Market residents can enjoy a collection of indoor and outdoor amenities including an outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms, fitness and yoga studios, rooftop and a variety of lounges, co-working spaces, gardens, and fire pits. More info on building amenities here: https://youtu.be/cg4wGNsWMRA?si=ykTxl6CQC5dcaELP

Additional Information: • The apartment is unfurnished • No pets, but available for an additional cost • Parking space available for extra fee (1-month minimum) • Storage lockers available for extra fee

Location Highlights: Onni Fulton Market is in a central location close to the business district in The Loop, art and design-centric River North, and dining hotspot West Loop. The Fulton Market neighborhood is rapidly expanding with many new coffee shops, dining spots, nightlife, and boutiques along Lake and Fulton Street. This neighborhood also houses the CTA's blue, pink and green lines to make transportation to many areas of the city seamless.

How to Apply: If you are interested in this sublease opportunity, please contact me via direct message to schedule a viewing or for any inquiries. Serious inquiries only.

Note: Application process and background check are required.

My credit took a hit and I am building it back up. However I currently make around 200k. My credit hovers around 610

My boyfriend has 720 credit and makes about 65k.

How will this impact our ability to be approved for a rental place?

Hi everyone! 43M, great dude, put it a tough situation by former roommate. I need to move in a hurry and looking to sublet a room.

DM me if you’re interested. Thanks!

Found ourselves unexpectedly having to move and needing to sublease our apartment (sublease thru end of May and then new lease would be executed for 12 months). Full listing copied below (we have it on multiple websites). We loved living here very much, it’s a wonderful unit and it’s getting new windows installed at the end of the month which is a nice plus. Feel free to DM me!

Unit available for a 6-18 month lease (currently listed rate goes Nov 1st 2024 through May 31st 2025, after that rate to be renegotiated with owner). Fulton River District 2Bed/2Ba approx. 1250SF living space with concrete sculpted ceilings, right on the Chicago River. This west facing unit with a sheltered, grill-friendly all-weather balcony has stunning city/sunset views and features a huge open living space with full dining area, modern kitchen with island, and updated appliances. Updated bath with HEATED floor (amazing feature during the Chicago winter), tub, and linen closet. Tons of storage space throughout, plus additional storage in basement. In-unit washer/dryer as well as laundry facility on site with commercial grade appliances. Short walk to the Metra, El trains, Loop, Michigan Ave., and River North/Fulton Market nightlife. Building has doorperson and controlled access, riverside deck overlooking the most amazing skyline view of the city, and ground access to Riverwalk. Short walk to some of Chicago's absolute hottest bars, restaurants, theaters, nail salons, gyms, and grocery stores (Jewel is a 5 min walk away).

Unit is available November 1st 2024 (can have some flexibility with move-in date) for a 6-18 month lease. Renter must pay building move-in fee. Renter is responsible for electric (which is the only bill not included in the rent price). Pets allowed (nominal pet registration fee applies). Valet parking available for lease next door. Bike storage for small monthly fee also available in the building.

Please see photos at: Stunning 2 bed/2 bath apt for rent in heart of downtown (West Loop/Ful - apts/housing for rent - apartment rent -... (craigslist.org)

I have to relocate because of work so I'm looking for someone to take over my lease starting Jan 1st

• Located in Rogers Park, right by the red line
• 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a little nook I use as my "office"
• $1,660.50 (includes renter's insurance through the property management company)
• In-unit laundry, AC, dishwasher (appliances were new when I moved in last year)
• Building has an elevator and gym
• There's off-street parking, the building has a garage but you would need to be added to the waitlist
• Apartment is on the fourth floor of a four floor building
• Pet Friendly
• Tenant pays for electrical but heat is included in rent
• Very chill neighbors/neighborhood

Message me if interested and I will send you more info.

$2,200 1 Bedroom Apartment in Lincoln Park November 1st

Moving in with my girlfriend and looking for someone to take over my lease November 1st

The Apartment

• 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom apartment on 6th floor

• Rent is $2200 + utilities which are around ~$100-120 a month

• Lease is through June 2024 with opportunity to extend

• In-unit Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher and AC

• Great corner space with a nice view

• Neighbors are super chill

• On the 6th floor with an elevator (elevator is a little old but works fine)

• I don’t have pets but apartment is pet friendly

• Street permit parking ($200 to register your car) but plenty of space on the street

Happy to include furniture

• I’m moving in with my girlfriend so a lot of the furniture you see in the living room in the pictures I will be selling on facebook marketplace! Happy to sell it at a discounted price for new tenant.

The Area

• Off of West Arlington and North Clark in Lincoln Park.

• Really close to the lake

• Walking distance to the Fullerton brown line and redline (12 min walk)

• Multiple bus stops on North Clark (22, 36, 151)

• Walking distance to trader joes, target & walgreens

• Really nice and residential, not super loud.

If you’re interested feel free to ping me

hey 👋🏼 i plan to move to chicago sometime next year and would like to get a head start on planning. in my experience renting, zillow / apartments / whatever .com is not the best place to search for vacant apartments. in the past I've looked through the listings of reputable property management companies in my city and had great success! would you say the same is true for Chicago? if so, do you recommend any? otherwise, what's the best system you've found for apartment hunting there? looking to rent around uptown or lake view. TIA! :)

Hey y’all, reposting from a few weeks back.

Looking for someone to sublease my half of a a 2 bed/2 bath in Lakeview with in-unit laundry from Nov 1 - May 31 (but could start as early as Oct 20).

Rent is $1250 + ~$100 in utilities (expecting that to go down in winter). No security deposit or move in fee. Just a $45 credit report (refunded if everything goes through) and first month up front.

Location is just off the Belmont L stop, so easy access to the brown, red, and purple lines. Also tons of buses running nearby. Target is right around the corner, and there’s a Marianos about 10-15 minutes away.

Roommate is mid 20s working in the banking industry (but working from home most days of the week). He is super social, and spends his week cooking, watching movies, playing volleyball and spike ball. He is also 420 friendly. I would be more than happy to connect you with him.

Please reach out if interested.

Link to FB post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7bHa6hGHF2c72Apb/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Hey everyone!

I’m considering renting an apartment at the Mayan Lagoon, which is managed by 36 Management, and I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with either the management company or the property itself.

Has anyone lived at Mayan Lagoon or dealt with 36 Management? I found an apartment there that I really like, but I want to know if there are any important things to consider (positive or negative) about the property, the management, or the neighborhood.

Any insight would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!

1 Bed, 1 Bath in Gold Coast for Sublet

Hello!!

I have a 1 bedroom, 1 bath available for a November 1 move in date in the Gold Coast, the building is 14 West Elm Street! Great location near nightlife, restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, public transportation (red line), and a 10-15 min walk from the lake! Ideally would love for someone to take over the rest of the lease through next September but am flexible!

Details:

Rent - $1,745 (includes water & heat) - willing to throw in $500 towards first months rent if you can move in Nov 1

Two walk in closets

Semi furnished (if there's stuff you'd want to keep)

Shared laundry in basement

Gym in basement

Rooftop with grills & great view of the lake

If interested, shoot me a message!

fb post here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2m6cMAYxyQG8xmwr/?mibextid=oFDknk

Great location at the edge of wicker next to Logan… utilities not included but all new appliances and a back yard.

Hi friends! My husband and I are looking for a subletter to take over our 1B 1B + Den (750 sq. ft) lease in Coeval at 51 E. 14 St.! We bought a townhouse in the neighborhood and very sad to leave our current place.

The subleaser can move in after 12/5/2024 with the lease ending 5/27/2025.

Base rent is $2,460 + $155 utilities (excluding electric via ComEd). If you have a dog, there’s an additional $30/month. Indoor, assigned parking is $295/month. Although both pet and parking is not required in subleasing.

The building has two outdoor terraces, dog run, gym, 24 hour front desk, community events, and free fitness classes. https://coevalchicago.com/

Management and maintenance are amazing and accommodating and we will be so sad to leave.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please comment/DM me and I can share more details.

Hello everybody!! I’ve made a post in this reddit already. But due to some recent updates I have like a new proposition?

Looking for a 3rd person in our 3BR on west town. Below I’m gonna have the link to the Zillow of the apartment and if you message me I can send you videos of our personal visit. We RECENTLY signed the lease and are about to move in by next week but still never found a 3rd person.

Rent will be about 583 not including utilities, move in would be 1166. Feel free to check out my previous posts to know more about me. We welcome anybody to join us. Very accepting of all people unless you’re like a ragging conservative then nah bro lmfao. Anyway yeah! Just let us know and I would happily talk to y’all.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1811-W-Huron-St-3-Chicago-IL-60622/2084345674_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

Located right at Lincoln/Damen/Irving Park. Private listing for a 2 bed 1.5 bath duplex down. Easy street parking and a 7 minute walk to the Irving Park Brown Line. Listing Link Below. Helping a friend so if you are interested please go through the link below.

https://www.domu.com/chicago/north-side/north-center/1952-w-byron-st-1-chicago-il-60613-0-3

Looking for any insight (good or bad) about the Xavier apartments in Old Town and the area. I’m moving from out of state so any help is appreciated!

Hi! My name is Brandon, I'm 22 and from Tennessee. I'm a creative who's very passionate about music, photography, and traveling. I plan on moving to Chicago December 1st, and I'm searching for a room with a flexible lease OR, 2 roommates who would like to look into a space for us.

Feel free to message me if you fit the criteria or if I fit yours! Thank you 🙏🏾

Looking for a room or 2 roommates

• Rent budget: $850-$1k
• Must have parking
• Age: 20-25
• I am clean, communicative, responsible, and very punctual.
• Students Preferred
• Wanting to live in Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, or any other neighborhood suitable for my age demographic!

Relocating from another Midwestern state. I'm stalking CL & FB, but wanted to ask here too. If anyone is looking for a roomie within the next month or need someone to take over their spot, DM me! I'm 26/F with a cat, but he's old and doesn't do much. The most I'd like to pay in rent is $800/mo, but I'm a lil flexible on that. I'm mostly hoping for a private landlord or someone who can work with me on a deposit.

That being said, can anyone recommend more specific FB groups I can join for rentals in the area? TIA you guys!!

We’ve bought a condo and want to make sure we can find an amazing tenant to relet our sun-soaked top-floor unit! 🌞

This gem features:

• 2 spacious bedrooms
• 1 full bath
• Central heating and air
• In unit laundry
• Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout
• Plenty of closet space for all your treasures!

We've have cherished this home for over 5 years, and you’ll love it too! It’s a smoke-free, pet-friendly haven (though no pets currently live here). Enjoy peace and quiet, as the unit doesn’t face the street, keeping the noise to a minimum.

You’ll be just a hop away from Mariano’s, Target, and all the vibrant offerings of Lakeview. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute stroll to the Brown Line at Wellington.

The unit will be available starting 11/1, but we’re flexible with an earlier move-out date for a smooth transition. We’re also open to selling some of our furniture that won't be coming to our new place.

Take a look at the pics, and let me know if there are specific questions about the unit, but reach out to the management company to schedule tours and apply. Let’s find the perfect match for this wonderful space!

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/652-W-Wellington-Ave-APT-3-Chicago-IL-60657/2125652603_zpid/

Just renovated garden unit in Logan Square neighboring Bucktown/Wicker Park, available now.

Amazing area/neighborhood with great food options, plenty of entertainment and attractions nearby, and 2 blocks from the 606 trail!

Utilities included (electric, water, & gas). In-unit Washer/Dryer, small pets allowed.

5-7 minute walk to either Western or California Blue line train. Steps from the Armitage Bus (#73), 5 minute walk to either Western (#49) or California Busses (#94).

Rent is $1,950, security deposit of $1,950.

Comment, DM, or feel free to view listing at Zillow or Apartments.com

Hello everyone, my roommate is looking to move out of Chicago. We have a 3 bed 2 bath for just us two, but I'm looking to take two roommates to replace him (otherwise the rent is $1600 for one roommate).

We right in Boystown, and it's honestly the best apartment I've ever had. I would love to stay here but that requires roommates. No pets allowed unfortunately, and there are no more parking spots. I can lend my car as needed though, and I barely use it myself.

Please message me to learn more.