Be the First to See New Apartments for Rent in Chicago

by Caroline Hetzel Holland

Tired of missing out on great apartments? The competition for the best apartments in Chicago can be tough. Apartment hunters have flooded the Chicago market, and supply doesn't always keep up with demand. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can beat the crowds when looking for the perfect apartment. From setting up a search alert to following Domu’s social media, you’ll find the apartment of your dreams in no time. 

Printer's Row loft in Chicago with exposed brick painted white, large windows, and a crystal chandelier

Want To See Apartments As Soon as They Hit the Market?

Follow Domu’s Instagram Stories for the Newest Listings
We post the best new apartments for rent on Instagram Stories almost every day. In a recent user poll, multiple Domu users told us they successfully found their apartments by viewing our IG Stories. Follow us on Instagram, @domuchicago, to see brand new, curated listings first.

Set Up an Alert for New Apartments
Did you know you can set up apartment alerts on Domu? You can get notifications sent to you via email or text message when apartments matching your search criteria get listed. 

First, log into or create your Domu account. Search for an apartment with your specific criteria — for example, Lincoln Square, 2+ beds, Max Price $2000, Dogs Allowed. Then, click the “Save” button above the map. You can choose the alert method (email or text) and alert frequency (instant, daily, twice a week). 

Living room with fireplace painted black and modern furnishings

How to Get an Apartment Tour ASAP
Once you see an apartment you like, reach out using the contact form or phone number on the listing immediately — don't wait around. Plus, emailing or calling a landlord is easy and takes less than two minutes. Don’t forget to check your inbox regularly, and reply promptly to potential landlords to get tours scheduled ASAP.

Prepare Application Materials Ahead of Time
Pro Tip: Have your application materials ready to go before touring an apartment. If you like the property, you’ll be able to submit an application as soon as possible, increasing the odds of scoring the apartment. Check out our sample application to see an example of information you may need to provide to landlords. (Bonus Tip: Some apartment hunters even include a cover letter on their applications if they really love a place and the competition is especially high. This isn't totally common in the Chicago market, but it could help you score your dream apartment.)