What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing in 2025: Essential Tips for Chicago Renters

Searching for a luxury apartment in Chicago in 2025? Whether you’re relocating or upgrading your lifestyle, being fully prepared for an apartment viewing is essential — especially in today’s competitive market. With demand high and availability limited, knowing what to bring to an apartment viewing can make all the difference in securing your ideal home.

From virtual tours to online applications, the apartment search process has become more streamlined, but acting quickly is more important than ever. This guide will walk you through everything you need to tour with confidence, apply seamlessly, and secure your next home without unnecessary stress.
Looking for an easy way to stay organized and compare different apartments? Be sure to also download our Apartment Tour Checklist before your next tour.

Touring a Luxury Apartment in a Competitive Market — Why Urgency Matters in 2025

The Chicago rental market is moving fast, and with limited new building inventory this year, finding the perfect apartment means you need to act quickly. Renters can expect the best units to have multiple applications, so those who come prepared have the best chance of securing a lease.

To secure your ideal apartment this year, preparation is key. If you love an apartment, you should be ready to apply. Having your documents ready and being able to submit an application on the spot will go a long way in improving your chances of getting approved before someone else.

Virtual Tours: The First Step in the Apartment Search

Virtual apartment tours are becoming increasingly more common — and are an excellent way to get a feel for a space before visiting in person. For those who are relocating, they are also a critical time and cost saving tool that allows you to narrow down options before making a trip. By eliminating apartments that don’t meet expectations early in the process, you can focus on touring only the best fit options in person.

Get the Most Out of a Virtual Apartment Tour

Try Exploring Online — Our intuitive apartment search tool provides a comprehensive look at available units, featuring up to date photos to help you visualize each space before scheduling a visit. Instead of relying solely on descriptions, you can explore interior finishes, kitchen layouts, closet space, and astonishing city views through a curated gallery.

Research the neighborhood — A great apartment isn’t just about the unit itself as the surrounding area also plays a big role in livability. Feel free to use Google Maps in addition to our Neighborhood Guide to check out transit access, parking options, grocery stores, coffee shops, and determine which elements matter most to you.

Live far away but want to learn more? Our team can walk you through any unit in real time, providing insights that go beyond standard listings. We will highlight the key details that matter the most to you, so you can truly envision yourself living there.

Already Booked Your In Person Apartment Tour? Here’s What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing

Once you have narrowed down your options, the next step is touring the apartments that best fit your needs. Coming prepared not only helps you make a great impression on the leasing team but also ensures you are ready to act quickly if you find an apartment you love.

First and foremost, apartment buildings prioritize privacy and security, so bringing a valid government-issued ID is mandatory. Without it, you won’t be allowed to tour most buildings. You would also be required to register in advance, so confirming with your broker beforehand is essential to avoid any last-minute complications.

With most applications now processed online, having a smartphone or tablet is just as important as bringing paperwork. You would now be able to apply instantly, and having employment verification, credit check authorization, and rental history documents easily accessible can significantly speed up the approval process.

What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing

• Government-issued ID (Driver’s license or passport)
• Smartphone or tablet for applications and photos
• Payment method (Check or digital payment option)
• Notebook or notes app to track details and comparisons

Skip the Paperwork: Online Applications Are the New Standard

Traditional paper applications have been replaced by fast, digital processing, making it easier for applications to get reviewed quickly. In 2025, it is recommended that those who want to secure an apartment as soon as possible should be prepared to apply online after a tour.

What You Need for a Digital Application

• Employment verification — Pay stubs or offer letters
• Photo ID — Often uploaded for identity verification
• Since landlords often prioritize renters who apply first, submitting an application right after a tour can improve approval chances.
  
  Learn more about the Luxury Apartment Rental Application Process here.

How Luxury Living Can Give You an Extra Edge This Year

Navigating the luxury apartment market in 2025 requires efficiency, preparation, and the ability to act quickly. With high demand and limited availability, having the right resources at the very beginning can make all the difference. Here at Luxury Living, we help streamline your search by providing curated apartment listings that match your lifestyle, budget, and must-have amenities from the very start. By simplifying the apartment search, application, and leasing process, we help you spend less time searching and more time settling into the perfect home.

Ready to find your dream apartment faster and with expert guidance? Connect with our team today to get started.