35 things to check
before you sign that lease.
Most renters spend 20 minutes touring an apartment and miss the things that matter. This checklist takes 45 minutes and could save you from a year of regret.
Your Checklist
Spring latches can be shimmed open in seconds. Deadbolts are the minimum standard.
Poor lighting is the #1 factor in opportunistic crime. Walk the property at night before signing.
Cameras deter crime and provide evidence. Ask the landlord how long footage is retained.
Broken windows theory: visible disorder signals low oversight and attracts more crime.
Knob locks alone can be broken with a single kick. Deadbolts are non-negotiable.
A strong lock on a weak frame is useless. Most forced entries exploit the frame, not the lock.
Ground and second-floor windows are common entry points. Test every lock.
Required by Illinois law. Test them yourself — don't take the landlord's word for it.
Neighborhoods look different after dark. A daytime visit tells you almost nothing about nighttime safety.
Aggregate neighborhood stats hide block-level variation. Check the actual incident data.
Residents know things that don't show up in crime stats — noise, management responsiveness, neighbor issues.
Vehicle crime is hyperlocal. One block can have 10x the rate of the next block over.
Street parking in Chicago is high-risk. If you have a car, secured parking is worth the premium.
Patterns of complaints about security, lighting, or unresponsive management are red flags.
Illinois law requires 24-hour notice for non-emergency entry. Verify it's in your lease.
Know exactly who has keys. Request a log of all key holders before signing.
Too many red flags. This apartment has serious safety deficiencies.
Also check the neighborhood safety score →Items marked RED FLAG are non-negotiable safety minimums. If any of these fail, get a written commitment from the landlord before signing — or walk away.
- All exterior doors have deadbolt locks
- No broken windows, graffiti, or signs of vandalism
- Deadbolt on unit door (not just a knob lock)
- Door frame is solid — no visible damage or soft wood
- Checked the CPD crime map for the specific block
- Checked car break-in rate for the specific block
The checklist covers the unit and building. Our neighborhood safety score tool covers the surrounding area — crime rates, 911 call volume, and trend data.
Check neighborhood safety score →Know the moment something happens near your new apartment. Crime alerts, court case updates, and weekly safety scores.
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Illinois renter safety laws you should know
These apply to most Illinois rentals. Know your rights before you sign.
Under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), you can request a lock change before move-in. The landlord must comply within 48 hours or you can do it yourself and deduct the cost from rent.
Illinois law requires landlords to give 24 hours' notice before entering your unit for non-emergency repairs. Verify this is in your lease. Landlords who enter without notice are violating state law.
Illinois landlords must maintain units in a habitable condition, including working locks, adequate lighting in common areas, and functioning smoke detectors. Document any deficiencies in writing before move-in.
Chicago's RLTO requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits and provide itemized deductions within 30 days of move-out. Keep a timestamped photo record of the unit's condition at move-in.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Crime data referenced is sourced from Chicago Police Department public records and Illinois State Police data. Individual block and building conditions vary. Always conduct your own due diligence before signing a lease. See our methodology.