SOYOUWANNA FIND AN APARTMENT IN CHICAGO?

6. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS BEFORE YOU SIGN

Hang on kids, we're almost done. Once you've found an apartment, it is vital that you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Your rights are best protected if you have a written lease. If you have an oral lease, you may be subject to restrictions that you aren't aware of. Just do what we say and get a written lease. Be sure that there are no hidden expenses that will come out to surprise you later. Ask and ask again about ALL expenses you're expected to cover before signing anything.

If the current tenants of the apartment are around while you're looking at the place, you might try to ask them some questions: how did they enjoy living there? Why are they moving out? Where do they do laundry? Shop for groceries? How soundproof are the walls?

Another suggestion while we're at it: if you decide to take an apartment, but you notice beat-up cabinets or a semi-functional faucet, have the landlord write the defects on the lease agreement so you aren't later held responsible for the damage. A full list of your rights as a tenant in Chicago can be found here: www.tenants-rights.org.

And you are now ready to brave the Windy City! The only thing left is to blend into the local life by mourning the wussiness of the Chicago Cubs . . .