chicagoland apartments

FAQ

 

What is domu?
Basically, domu is two sites in one.  Domu is a place where prospective tenants can search fresh Chicago apartment listings to find a new place to live, and domu is a place where landlords can post their listings.  If this doesn’t answer your question, read the story on our About page.

 Why is it called "domu"?
We wanted an easy-to-remember, snappy name that didn’t include “Chicago” or “apartment.”  “Domus” means “home” in Latin, and “domu” means “home” in several eastern European languages.

Is domu free for tenants?
Yes.  We don’t require you to provide any personal information in order to use the site.  But if you want to save searches, you’ll need to provide an e-mail address to create a user account. Once you do that, you can set preferences for how frequently you want to receive alerts of new listings that match your search criteria.

Do landlords pay commissions to domu?
NFW.  Landlords pay domu $20 for a two-week listing.

 I'm a landlord.  How do I list my apartment on domu?
That’s what the Landlords page is for.  Follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be good to go.

I have a YouTube video for my listing.  How do i upload it to the site?
You’ll need to copy and paste the “embed link” from the video into the appropriate field on the domu listing form. Don’t copy the URL (or web address) from the YouTube page where the video is located.  The “embed code” can be found after clicking the “embed” button, which is beneath the video box on a YouTube page. Once you’ve successfully linked to the video, a “videos” tab will appear on your listing page.

Do I need to create an account to contact a landlord?
No.  All listings contain contact information so you can contact the landlord directly.

Do I need to give the landlord my name and phone number?
If you find an apartment that interests you, simply contact the landlord directly.  If you wish to schedule a viewing, the landlord may request your name, phone number, or e-mail address in case there’s a need to contact you prior to the appointment.  If you are preparing to sign a lease, the landlord will definitely need your name and will probably need your telephone number.

How do I share an apartment listing with a friend?
At the bottom of a listing, click on the red box labeled “Send to Friend” and complete the form.  Feel free to change the subject line and the default message before sending.  Don’t worry, domu will not store your friend’s e-mail address.

I noticed something naughty or inaccurate on a listing, what do i do?
On each individual apartment or building listing, there’s a link labeled “Flag as Inappropriate.”  Click this link and complete the form.  Tell us the problem as specifically as possible.  We will investigate the matter promptly.

Is domu safe and secure for credit card transactions?
Absolutely.  Domu uses secure socket layer technology to encrypt and transmit credit card information.  Secure socket layer technology is so complex that even the Computer nerds at domu can’t figure it out.

Can I use a debit card rather than a credit card to activate my listings?
Naturally.  Use the drop-down menu on the listing activation page and select “credit card,” even though you plan on using a debit card.

Who is behind domu?
Domu is an omniscient dragon-shaped robot that enjoys midwifery, cartography, and foie gras.  Or maybe not.  Domu is an affiliate of Schatz Realty, which, in turn, is an affiliate of Schatz Development, a real estate firm with a 60-year history of successful Chicago development projects.  Most recently, the company developed 600 North Fairbanks, a 227-unit luxury condominium tower designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Helmut Jahn.

Where is domu based?
Domu is based in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago in an elegant three-story, loft-style building with gigantic windows which was built in 1916 and which has served as home to Chicago’s first automat and the nationally-renowned Chez Paree nightclub.

What do the red and white boxes on the map mean?
The red and white boxes on the map identify the location of listed apartments.  Red boxes indicate multiple apartments are being offered by a single owner or property manager.  These listings generally contain more detailed information about the building and specify rental ranges rather than discrete prices.  White boxes indicate listings of strictly individual units by a single apartment owner.  For condominium buildings and subleases, it is not uncommon for the developer or building owner to list multiple units (red box), while individual owners list their own separate apartments in the very same building (white box).