Business Details
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in Chicago
Urban Abodes has established itself as a leading force in Chicago's apartment leasing market since its inception. Founded on the principle of connecting top-tier landlords with qualified tenants, we operate as a boutique brokerage committed to excellence. Our team, led by Managing Broker Bee Christos with over 40 years of industry experience, delivers a seamless rental experience through meticulous attention to detail and a passion for real estate. We specialise in representing landlords exclusively, ensuring no conflicts of interest through our strict anti-dual-agency policy. Our comprehensive services include advanced 3D property visualisation, rigorous tenant screening, and innovative key management systems.With access to over 50,000 apartments across Chicago's most desirable neighbourhoods, we combine traditional brokerage values with cutting-edge technology to serve both property owners and renters. Our reputation for quality is evidenced by testimonials highlighting our ability to secure ideal tenants and facilitate swift approvals. As a trusted local expert, we maintain offices in Wrigleyville while serving the entire Chicago metropolitan area through seven-day-a-week operations.
Services
Apartment rentals
Tenant screening
3D virtual tours
Key tracking
Property marketing
Landlord representation
Neighbourhood guides
Lease management
Guarantor services
Digital walkthroughs
Highlights and features
- We offer free apartment search services with 7-day availability
- Our inventory includes over 50,000 apartments across Chicago
- We implement thorough tenant screening procedures with employment verification
- Our exclusive KeyTrak system provides secure key management with audit trails
- We maintain exclusive partnerships with major property listing platforms
What people say
Efficient service
Found exactly what I wanted
Timely manner
Excellent tenant recommendations
Seamless application process
Services
Apartment rentals
We offer Chicago's largest selection of quality apartment rentals, from restored Victorian flats to modern lofts. Our inventory spans 50,000 units across diverse neighbourhoods, with options ranging from one-bedroom apartments to luxury three-bedroom residences. Our team provides personalised property viewings and neighbourhood guidance.
Tenant screening
Our rigorous screening process ensures qualified tenants through employment verification and landlord references. We conduct thorough background checks while maintaining strict ethical standards. Our system identifies creditworthy applicants while protecting landlords' interests throughout the selection process.
3D virtual tours
Our Pro Camera technology creates interactive 3D maps and floor plans for property listings. This innovative solution enhances marketing reach while providing accurate spatial representations. Tenants can explore properties virtually, while landlords benefit from increased visibility across 40+ listing platforms.
Key tracking system
KeyTrak provides secure key storage with biometric access controls and audit trails. Our system tracks key movements in real-time, generating detailed activity reports for landlords. This technology ensures property security while maintaining transparency about property showings.
Landlord representation
We exclusively represent landlords, focusing on long-term relationships and optimal tenant placement. Our services include lease management, property marketing, and tenant dispute resolution. Our non-dual-agency approach ensures dedicated advocacy for property owners' interests.
People
Bee Christos
Managing Broker
With over 40 years of real estate experience, Bee Christos leads our brokerage team. Her expertise ensures seamless property transactions and tenant placements while maintaining the company's founding principles of excellence and landlord advocacy.
Jean Marie Mangiola
Chicago Representative
As TheGuarantors' local representative, Jean Marie assists with tenant guarantee solutions. Her partnership helps secure qualified tenants who meet our strict standards while providing additional security options for landlords.
Questions
How do you match landlords with suitable tenants?
We conduct thorough background checks, employment verification, and reference checks to ensure tenant suitability. Our exclusive focus on landlord representation maintains strict quality standards.
Which Chicago areas do you cover?
We operate citywide with special expertise in Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview neighbourhoods. Our inventory spans all of Chicago's desirable districts.
Is there a fee for tenant screening?
Our comprehensive screening services are included in our property management fees. We provide detailed tenant evaluations without additional charges.
How does your key management system work?
KeyTrak uses biometric access controls and digital tracking to monitor key movements. Landlords receive detailed reports on property showings and access times.
What marketing channels do you use?
We syndicate listings to 40+ platforms including Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com. Our digital tools create professional property advertisements with 3D visualisations.
Do you offer lease guarantee options?
Yes, we partner with TheGuarantors to provide insurance-backed lease guarantees for qualified applicants who need additional financial support.
Reviews (7)
Chris L.
Jun 17, 2022
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I worked with Percy and scheduled an apartment tour in the evening. However, he notified me that he did not have the keys and could not access the apartment 9 minutes before the agreed-upon time of the tour, after I had already arrived and was waiting at the apartment. He then said he would try to contact the tenants to see if we could still see the apartment later that night, but he did not follow up and instead left me waiting without an update.
He also admitted this happens more often than it should and is a known issue. We left after 45+ minutes of waiting without an update and he did not follow up later or attempt to reschedule the tour. This occurred after 2 other agents from Urban Abodes failed to help schedule the same apartment tour in a timely manner. Overall, a very frustrating and unprofessional experience.
He also admitted this happens more often than it should and is a known issue. We left after 45+ minutes of waiting without an update and he did not follow up later or attempt to reschedule the tour. This occurred after 2 other agents from Urban Abodes failed to help schedule the same apartment tour in a timely manner. Overall, a very frustrating and unprofessional experience.
Rohin Thomas
Jun 15, 2022
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Lori Quint at Urban Abodes helped us with the leasing process for an apartment in Chicago, IL. They made the whole process very easy on our end, explaining every step. They responded very quickly and we had no big problems throughout the process. Overall I was very satisfied with the service and would recommend it to anyone looking for an Apartment!
Marissa S.
May 24, 2022
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The agent, Jackie, was so helpful in finding out next apartment! Her genuine excitement and interest in us finding what we wanted was comforting. She was very responsive. They had a great inventory of apartments so I knew I was getting a good selection.
J. P.
May 18, 2022
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After reading positive reviews, I was hopeful they could assist in my apartment search. I had a good first conversation with an agent. He took took down my info and said to give him a couple of hours to compile a list of apartment rentals that matched my search/ move in date and understood the urgency (needed to move by 5/31). I called him back later that day to ask about an available listing I saw online.
We had a quick conversation and again was told I would hear back. A few days passed and I sent a follow up text. I never heard back from this agent. I secured a rental on my own and as of today's review, there has still been no follow up or reply. I cannot recommend Urban Abodes.
We had a quick conversation and again was told I would hear back. A few days passed and I sent a follow up text. I never heard back from this agent. I secured a rental on my own and as of today's review, there has still been no follow up or reply. I cannot recommend Urban Abodes.
Brent Shapiro-Albert
May 15, 2022
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Working with Mark at Urban Abodes was an absolute pleasure. He was able to find multiple apartments that met our very specific criteria, including the one we eventually applied for and got. The Urban Abodes team made the entire application process easy and worked within the constraints we had moving from out of town. I would definitely recommend working with them.
Nicholas B.
May 05, 2022
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Gabriela and Urban Abodes helped us find a great apartment in Chicago that was not shown on the major rental websites, which in turn made for a much less hectic renting experience. Gabriela in particular was very helpful and responsive, working to our schedule, responding via text and call. Additionally, the application process was smooth and quick. If we are looking to rent again in the future, we will be sure to use Urban Abodes.
Eleni Caprio
Apr 20, 2022
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I worked with Percy Davis to find my first Chicago apartment and he could not have given me a better experience. He was very quick to call me and give me details about the unit I wanted without me even seeing it---enough to where I applied without viewing the unit. I could not be happier with my experience and wish I would have found Urban Abodes first when beginning my city apartment search. I would recommend them to anyone who has been struggling to find their place in the city of Chicago and needs a breath of fresh air when it comes to unique units and informative staff.
