Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our apartments for rent in Oak Park, Chicago, River Forest & Forest Park. Don’t see your question listed below? Contact us, or call (833) 896-9936 to speak with a leasing agent.
Q: How soon should I start looking for an apartment in Oak Park & Chicago IL?
A: We post our new apartment listings two months in advance, and we recommend that you begin your apartment search no more than 60 days before your move-in date to choose from the widest selection. However, we usually have listings to accommodate quick move-ins. Please review our application requirements.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment to see an Oak Park apartment?
A: You can contact us online, or call the Oak Park Apartments Leasing Office at (833) 896-9936 to speak with one of our leasing agents and schedule an appointment, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.
Q: How many apartment buildings do you have in the Chicago area?
A: Oak Park Apartments owns more than 70 apartment buildings in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Chicago.
Q: What do the Oak Park Apartment buildings look like?
A: Most of our apartment buildings are historic courtyard walk-ups, many of which were designed by renowned architects and all of which have updated interior spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms and flooring. We also have a few more modern buildings.
Q: Are Oak Park apartments pet-friendly?
A: Yes, we are pleased to offer Pet-Friendly Apartments in Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest and Chicago! We allow one dog and up to two cats in our all of our apartments. There is a $15 monthly pet fee per apartment for cats, $25 per month for a dog, and $35 for a cat/dog dombination. We do not accept the following dog breeds at this time: Pit Bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, or any Wolf Hybrid. We do not accept ferrets. We do accept most lizards, fish and other small mammals. Please see our pet policy for additional information.
Q: How do I apply for an apartment in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park or Chicago?
A: All applicants must complete an online application. Please review our qualifications prior to applying.
Q: How much is the move-in fee for Oak Park apartments?
A: The non-refundable move-in fee for Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Chicago apartments is $375.00.
Q: Is there an application fee for Oak Park apartments?
A: There is a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. The online application accepts checks and credit cards. Applying online will require you to put down $300 for earnest money. This payment will be applied to your move-in fee.
Q: How long does it take to process an apartment application?
A: It typically takes between 24-48 hours to fully process an application after all information has been provided by the applicant. A leasing agent will contact you with the results as soon as possible. Failure to include all application information or cooperation from your verification references in a timely manner may delay the process and result in loss of the apartment.
Q: Will my apartment application be approved if I have a good salary, but my credit is bad?
A: We are looking for good credit from all of our applicants. We require a minimum credit score of 650 to be considered for an apartment. All credit scores below 650 will automatically be declined. Credit scores over 650 do not guarantee acceptance.
Q: If my credit and income do not meet the apartment application requirements, can I just pay more upfront?
A: We do not accept extra or early payment in lieu of meeting the acceptance requirements.
Q: Can I have a co-signer on my Oak Park Apartments lease?
A: We do not allow co-signers on any of our leases.
Q: How soon do I have to sign my apartment lease after receiving it?
A: We ask that you sign your lease within 5 days of application approval. Failure to do so will result in forfeit of the $300.00 earnest money deposit and loss of the apartment. You may view a sample lease prior to putting down your earnest money.
Q: How can I pay my rent?
A: You have three options for paying your rent:
- Pay online through the tenant portal
- Leave your check in the secure lockbox outside of our management office, located at 41 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park
- Mail a check to our management office
Q: Can I smoke in my apartment?
A: Smoking is not allowed on any of our properties.
Q: How many people can live in an apartment?
A: The occupancy rate is determined in accordance with village or city regulations, typically two occupants per one-bedroom apartment. Occupancy rates may vary.
Q: Do you have short-term apartment leases?
A: We offer only 12-month leases. All of our renewal offers will also be for 12 month periods.
Q: Do any Oak Park apartments include laundry?
A: Most of our buildings have coin-operated or mobile phone-operated laundry machines in the basements. Some apartments include in-unit laundry. Please check our apartment listings for more details.
Q: Do any Oak Park apartments include parking?
A: Parking is available at some of our apartments for an additional monthly fee. Check our apartment listings for additional information. Otherwise you will need to contact the village or city for street parking permits.
Q: What is due before move-in?
A: The first month’s rent and the move-in fee in the form of certified funds. If your move-in date is within the final 10 days of the month, rent for the next month will also be required. The move-in fee is a separate charge from rent. Pet and parking fees will also be charged, if applicable.
Q: Are any of the apartments furnished?
A: Our apartments are unfurnished, but we have a partnership with a furniture rental company.
Q: How can I find a mover?
A: We recommend using Move Matcher to receive and compare quotes from Oak Park movers.
Q: When is rent due? Can I pay after that?
A: Rent is always due on the first day of the month. Any payment after that is considered late and will be subject to a late fee. Tenants who pay rent late should not expect an offer for renewal. If rent is not paid on time, a tenant may be at risk of being sent to court.
