Moving to River North, Chicago: A Renter’s Checklist

Four to six weeks out: tour and shortlist

In our leasing office’s experience, River North apartments move quickly, so we recommend starting tours about a month before your target move date. Tour at the time of day you will actually be home — light and street sound change through the day — and ask every building for its full fee schedule, not just the rent, so you can compare true monthly costs.

• Book tours for your top three buildings in one week so comparisons stay fresh.
• Ask each building what its application, administration, and monthly fees are.
• Note commute times from each address — in River North, blocks matter.

Applying: documents and requirements

Applications in most River North buildings are online. At Exhibit On Superior, the application runs through our secure portal and decisions typically come back in 1–3 business days. Qualifying is straightforward: applicants need a minimum credit score of 700, or 600 with a qualified co-signer, along with a government-issued photo ID. The application fee is $60 per applicant, plus a $500 administration fee per apartment that is refunded if the application is denied.

Budgeting your move-in costs

Up-front costs vary widely between buildings, so build the full list before you sign. At Exhibit On Superior there is no security deposit, which removes the biggest traditional line item.

• First month’s rent, plus the $60-per-applicant application fee and $500 administration fee.
• The monthly Utility & Service Amenity fee — $95–$195 depending on floor plan — covering water, sewer, trash, heat, air conditioning, and natural gas.
• Garage parking at $335 per month if you keep a car; storage lockers at $25 per month; bike storage is free.
• A one-time pet fee if applicable: $650 for one dog, $750 for two dogs, $325 for cats — with no monthly pet rent.

Utilities and insurance before move-in

Electricity is the one utility renters at Exhibit set up themselves — service is through ComEd, and you should schedule the start date for your move-in day. Everything else — water, sewer, trash, heat, air conditioning, and natural gas — is covered by the monthly Utility & Service Amenity fee.

Renters insurance is required before move-in, with at least $300,000 in liability-to-landlord coverage. Ask your insurer to write the policy to that liability level, and have the policy documents ready to share with the office.

Move-in day and settling in

Coordinate your move-in time with the leasing office in advance so the elevator and loading access are ready for your movers — email exhibit@highlandptrs.com or call 312-450-0635 to schedule. Once you are in, register your bike for the free bike room, set up your resident portal for rent payments and maintenance requests, and introduce your pet to the team.