First Time Renter in Chicago (Montrose: apartments, good credit, neighborhood)

[kamil]

Hi!

I am currently in progress of my escape from Suburbia to the City. I already have a stable job downtown (consultant since May '08 - hired Sept '08).

But....

I found a place that I would like to rent, however the application that the management company gave me is at least 6 pages long and requires references from previous landlords.

I am 21 y/o and a first-time renter (lived w/ my parents so far). I am wondering is it going to be hard for me to find a place to live in a nice neighborhood? I was looking for apartments around Montrose Brown Line stop (I believe the neighborhood is called North Center). Is good credit history and a full time job enough to get an apartment? It seems silly to me that it takes 2 weeks of investigation to be approved for a place that you're willing to pay for!

I could imagine it's because of some silly government regulations that prevent landlords from evicting non-paying tenants, but this seems to be way over the top.

Any advice? Is it even possible to find something without having good rental history? Should I look somewhere else besides Craigslist?

Thanks,
Kamil

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by kamil

Hi!

I am currently in progress of my escape from Suburbia to the City. I already have a stable job downtown (consultant since May '08 - hired Sept '08).

But....

I found a place that I would like to rent, however the application that the management company gave me is at least 6 pages long and requires references from previous landlords.

I am 21 y/o and a first-time renter (lived w/ my parents so far). I am wondering is it going to be hard for me to find a place to live in a nice neighborhood? I was looking for apartments around Montrose Brown Line stop (I believe the neighborhood is called North Center). Is good credit history and a full time job enough to get an apartment? It seems silly to me that it takes 2 weeks of investigation to be approved for a place that you're willing to pay for!

I could imagine it's because of some silly government regulations that prevent landlords from evicting non-paying tenants, but this seems to be way over the top.

Any advice? Is it even possible to find something without having good rental history? Should I look somewhere else besides Craigslist?

Thanks,
Kamil

Yes, you can find a place without a rental history. Just explain the situation to the landlord and offer to provide pay stubs and/or have a co-signer if necessary. For my first apt post college, my dad had to co-sign. You shouldn't have any problem. That being said, I also rented several apts since then that didn't even require a credit check!!!

[long101]

I remember when I rented my 1st place I just left the rental history spot blank. If you can provide a current financials to show youve got cash I dont know why anyone would not rent to you.

[kamil]

Thanks for responding. I've submitted my application and will see what happens.