Move-In Costs in Chicago: What Renters Actually Pay

Start by separating upfront and monthly costs

When renters ask our leasing team about apartment move-in costs in Chicago, we recommend separating charges due during the application process from recurring monthly charges. This makes it easier to compare a building’s fee schedule with the apartment’s live rent and with the services a household plans to use.

At Exhibit On Superior, the application fee is $60 per applicant and is shown on each unit’s secure online application before payment. The administration fee is $500 per apartment, is non-refundable, and is refunded only if the application is denied. For current apartment availability, pricing, photos, and move-in dates, renters can browse our available apartments.

What “no security deposit” means at Exhibit

Exhibit does not currently collect a security deposit: the listed security deposit is $0. That does not mean there are no upfront charges. Applicants should still plan for the application fee and administration fee, along with any selected one-time pet fee.

Our leasing team recommends asking each building whether it uses a deposit, a non-refundable administrative charge, or another model. Policies vary by building, so renters should review the fee schedule and application terms for the specific apartment they are considering. At Exhibit, the administration fee and security deposit are separate line items, with different terms.

An itemized Exhibit move-in example

Here is a practical example for a one-bedroom applicant at Exhibit. The initial application-stage charges are the $60 application fee per applicant and the $500 administration fee per apartment. The security-deposit line is $0 because Exhibit does not currently collect a security deposit.

For that one-bedroom residence, the recurring Utility & Service Amenity fee is $115 monthly. It covers water, sewer, trash, heat, air conditioning, and natural gas for cooking and the clothes dryer. Electricity is billed directly to the resident by ComEd. Renters can review ComEd’s guidance for starting, stopping, or moving electric service before move-in.

Optional choices can change the picture. Garage parking is $335 per space monthly, subject to availability, and an on-site storage locker is $25 monthly. A dog has a one-time fee of $650 for one or $750 for two; a cat has a $325 one-time fee. There is no pet deposit or monthly pet rent at Exhibit.

• Application fee: $60 per applicant, one-time
• Administration fee: $500 per apartment, one-time
• Security deposit: $0
• One-bedroom Utility & Service Amenity fee: $115 monthly
• Electricity: billed directly to the resident by ComEd

Match the utility fee to the floor plan

The Utility & Service Amenity fee is not a single building-wide amount. It ranges from $95 to $195 monthly by floor plan. Studios and Jr. Convertibles are $95, Convertibles are $105, and one-bedrooms are $115.

For larger layouts, the fee is $125 for a two-bedroom or one-bath, $150 for a two-bedroom or two-bath, $165 for a two-bedroom plus den, and $195 for a three-bedroom or three-bath. We recommend that renters identify the exact floor plan first, then use the matching tier when planning monthly costs.

• Studio: $95
• Jr. Convertible: $95
• Convertible: $105
• 1 Bedroom: $115
• 2 Bedroom / 1 Bath: $125
• 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath: $150
• 2 Bedroom + Den: $165
• 3 Bedroom / 3 Bath: $195

Build a move-in checklist before applying

Before submitting an application, our leasing team recommends reviewing the complete fee schedule, deciding whether parking, storage, or pets apply, and arranging renters insurance. Renters insurance is required with $300,000 liability-to-landlord coverage.

Applicants should also plan around the screening process. The minimum credit score is 700, or 600 with a qualified co-signer, and an approval decision is provided in 1–3 business days. Confirming these details before applying can help renters understand which charges are one-time, which are monthly, and which are optional for their household. Renters who want to discuss the checklist with our team can schedule a tour.