Renting Your First Chicago Apartment: A No-Surprises Guide
By The Exhibit On Superior Leasing Team, On-site leasing team at Exhibit On Superior · Published
In Short
Renting a first Chicago apartment is easier when you separate the tour, application, lease, move-in costs, and utility setup into clear steps. Our leasing team recommends asking direct questions early, reviewing every charge before applying, and confirming insurance and electricity responsibilities before your move.
Start with a tour and a practical question list
For first-time renters, our leasing team recommends using a tour to understand both the apartment and the steps that follow. At Exhibit On Superior, you can send our team a tour request or book a specific apartment from the available units. During the visit, ask which home you are viewing, what is included in the monthly Utility & Service Amenity fee, and which costs are optional.
Exhibit On Superior is at 165 W Superior St in River North and has studio, convertible, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Available home sizes range from about 448–1,528 sq ft, so we recommend comparing the floor plan that fits your day-to-day needs rather than choosing based on bedroom count alone.
- Ask us to explain the application and approval steps.
- Ask which fees apply to the apartment you select.
- Ask about parking, storage, bike storage, and pet options if they matter to your move.
- Use our tour page to schedule a tour or request follow-up from the leasing team.
Understand the application and co-signer route
Before applying, our leasing team recommends reviewing the screening standard and having your questions ready. Exhibit On Superior requires a minimum credit score of 700, or 600 with a qualified co-signer. An approval decision is made in 1–3 business days.
A co-signer can be a useful path for a renter with a thinner credit file when the stated credit threshold is not met independently. Because qualification details matter, contact our leasing office before applying to discuss whether a co-signer may be appropriate for your situation. The $60 application fee is charged per applicant and is shown on each unit’s secure online application before payment.
- Minimum credit score: 700.
- Minimum credit score with a qualified co-signer: 600.
- Application fee: $60 per applicant, one-time.
- Administration fee: $500 per apartment, one-time; it is non-refundable and refunded only if the application is denied.
Read the lease alongside the full cost list
A lease is the document to read slowly before you commit. Our leasing team recommends asking us to identify the charges connected to your selected apartment and any services you want to add. At Exhibit On Superior, the administration fee is $500 per apartment, and we do not currently collect a security deposit.
The monthly Utility & Service Amenity fee covers water, sewer, trash, heat, air conditioning, and natural gas for cooking and the clothes dryer. It is $95 for studios and ranges up to $195 for three-bedrooms. Electricity is billed directly to the resident by ComEd, so plan to arrange electric service as part of your move-in preparation.
- Garage parking: $335 per space monthly, unreserved and subject to availability.
- On-site storage: $25 monthly.
- Complimentary bike storage is available on the ground floor.
- Review our detailed leasing costs and charges before you apply.
Set up renters insurance before move-in
Renters insurance is required at Exhibit On Superior with $300,000 liability-to-landlord coverage. Our leasing team recommends confirming that your selected policy meets this requirement before move-in and keeping the policy information available if we request it.
Insurance questions can feel technical on a first lease, so it is reasonable to ask what documentation we need from you. We can explain the property’s coverage requirement, while your insurance provider can address policy terms and what the policy covers. Confirm the requirement early rather than leaving it until the last stage of your move.
- Required liability-to-landlord coverage: $300,000.
- Confirm your insurance documentation with the leasing office before move-in.
- Plan for electricity to be billed directly to you by ComEd.
Build a move-in checklist around your own timeline
Our leasing team recommends organizing your move in the same order as the rental process: tour, apply, review costs, complete lease requirements, secure insurance, and start electricity service. That approach helps first-time renters see what still needs attention without assuming that every step happens at once.
For an in-person conversation, our office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. The office is closed Sunday. If you are comparing neighborhoods or timing a move, use the published renter guides below alongside a conversation with our on-site leasing team.
- Schedule your apartment visit.
- Review the applicable fees before submitting an application.
- Ask about a qualified co-signer if needed.
- Confirm renters insurance and ComEd electricity service before move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What credit score do I need to rent at Exhibit On Superior?
- The minimum credit score is 700. A renter with a qualified co-signer may qualify with a credit score of 600. Contact our leasing office to discuss co-signer qualification questions before applying.
- Does Exhibit On Superior require a security deposit?
- No. Exhibit On Superior does not currently collect a security deposit. The administration fee is $500 per apartment, is one-time and non-refundable, and is refunded only if the application is denied.
- Which utilities are included in the monthly fee?
- The monthly Utility & Service Amenity fee 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.
See It for Yourself
Tour Exhibit On Superior
Email exhibit@highlandptrs.com or call 312-450-0635.
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