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Frequently Asked Questions |
1. How can I set up an appointment to view one of your apartments?
You can call our office at (773) 529-8482 and we will set up a viewing that is convenient for you. Also, you may e-mail us at rentals@happydwellings.com with your information and someone will contact you to set up an appointment.
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2. Do I have to pay any fees to apply for an
apartment?
You don't have to pay any fees to view any of our apartments or fill out an application! We do require a good-faith deposit of one month's rent in order to hold the apartment while your application is being processed. If you pay a good-faith deposit, no other applications will be considered for that apartment until yours is processed completely. This good-faith deposit will be returned to you if you are rejected, and may be applied towards your security deposit if you are approved. You may also have to submit additional documentation for us to verify your information (i.e. copies of paycheck stubs for income verification).
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3. What standards do you use to evaluate your applications?
There are a number of standards we use to evaluate applications. First, applicants must meet our occupancy standards. These standards limit the number of occupants in an apartment.
The maximum number of occupants permitted to move into any apartment is:
Studio/Efficiency, Convertible |
1 |
One Bedroom |
2 |
Two Bedroom |
3 |
Three Bedroom |
4 |
Four Bedroom |
5 |
We will not accept applications for an apartment that exceed the maximum number of occupants, although you may apply for a larger apartment.
Another rental qualification is your previous rental history. Poor landlord history, including evictions, claims for past due amounts, unauthorized breaking of leases, or property damage may be grounds for denial of your application. If you have no prior landlord history, we may still approve your application, but we may require a larger security deposit. In addition to contacting the previous landlords listed on your application, we will run a check for listing of landlord/tenant court cases and evictions. Any negative information on your Registry report may affect your application.
In addition, we will verify your source(s) of lawful income. The monthly rent for the apartment may not be greater than 30% of the gross annual income (before taxes) of the applicants. If you do not meet this qualification, you may apply for an apartment at a lower rental cost.
We also will verify your credit history. If you have no credit history, we may require a larger security deposit. Bad credit history may result in rejection of the application.
Please note that it normally takes between 3 to 5 business days to process an application. This may take longer if we have difficulty in verifying your application information. Any applications which are not completed in full will not be processed. Happy Dwellings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity company and adheres to all Federal, State, and Local laws regarding the processing of rental applications.
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4. If I am approved, will I have to put down a security deposit on the apartment?
Normally, we require a security deposit of one and one half month's rent. If you have no credit, no previous landlord history, or other factors which negatively affect your application, we may ask that you pay a larger security deposit, usually two month's rent. If we require a larger deposit, you may request a review after your initial lease term is completed. We will review your payment history and any factors which negatively affected your initial application. After this review, we may reduce your security deposit and refund the difference to you. Security deposits will only be reviewed after completion of your initial lease term.
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5. Do you accept pets at your buildings?
We do allow some pets at our buildings. Pets such as fish that are kept enclosed in an aquarium or terrarium are permissible at all of our buildings. We allow birds and cats at most of our buildings as well, although you must pay an additional pet deposit ($100-300 per pet) in order to cover any damages that the pet may cause to the apartment as well as an additional monthly fee ($25-50 per pet). In addition, all cats must be spayed or neutered and you must provide us with verification of the procedure from a veterinarian. Dogs may be permitted based on breed and size. We will ask to meet your pet.
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6. Is parking available, or will I have to park on the street?
Some of our buildings have garage parking available. When you make an appointment to view an apartment, make sure to mention that you are interested in renting a parking space as well.
If you are interested in renting at a building where parking is not offered, you will have to make other parking arrangements. Most of our buildings are located in areas where street parking is plentiful.
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7. Once I move in, what additional steps do I need to take?
First, you will have to check your lease to find out what utilities are included with the rent for your apartment. If you require any utilities that are not included in your lease, you will need to contact the utility companies and request service. Our Helpful Links page contains links to the websites of the major utility companies in the area. Please note that you may have to schedule to meet the utility companies at the building to connect service. Unfortunately, we will not be able meet the utility companies for you. We will make arrangements to provide necessary keys to allow the utility companies access to connect your service when you sign your lease.
If you have difficulty finding the utility company equipment which services your unit, please call our office for help. We require that you acquire renter's insurance for your belongings , as our insurance company does not cover the property of tenants.
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8. What kind of Cable, Satellite, or DSL service is available at your buildings?
All our buildings are wired for cable. Some are also wired for telephone. You can get high-speed Internet service and cable from Comcast, and telephone and DSL service from AT&T. We do not allow satellite dishes on our buildings.
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9. Do you offer short-term leases?
Generally, we do not offer leases under twelve months. The exception to this is during the winter months. If you are starting your lease in the months of November, December, or January, we may offer you a short-term lease or if you wish, a long-term lease, which ends in the following summer. It is much easier for us to rent apartments in the Spring than in the Winter, so these arrangements work out well for the landlord and the tenant seeking a short-term lease.
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10. I'm new to Chicago. What neighborhoods should I consider in my apartment search?
Chicago has many diverse neighborhoods, and no single neighborhood is right for everyone. A good way to find out about a neighborhood is to drive through it and see the local sights. Check out each building's page to see the locations of our buildings and the neighborhoods they are located in. You may want to go to the City of Chicago website in order to obtain more information about local schools, transportation, crime, traffic congestion, local culture, or other aspects of various neighborhoods.
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11. How can I contact you for more information?
Simple: call us! If you see a listing you are interested in looking at, or would just like to get more information, give us a call at (773) 490-9869 or e-mail us at rentals@happydwellings.com.
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