FAQ

Resident FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions. 
  • Do you have a list of available apartments?

    Our current list of available apartments can be found here. If you have additional questions about a particular unit, please call 800-571-8062

  • Do your apartments include any amenities?

    Typical amenities might include on-site laundry, in-unit laundry, building security cameras, gated entry, cable TV, free heat, outdoor space, air conditioning, granite countertops. new appliances, hardwood floors, parking etc. For information on specific unit amenities, view our available units here.

  • Does the rent include any utilities?

    Single family homes often do not include any utilities. However, some apartment units may include free heat or other utilities. If you are a prospective tenant, be sure to ask your leasing agent if any utilities are included in the rent. Current residents may refer to the utility responsibilities detailed in the lease agreement.

  • How much does it usually cost to heat an apartment?

    This can vary based on usage, the type of heating source, and other factors. Payments are made directly to your gas provider. If you are responsible for the heating cost, Paper Street does provide prospective tenants a heating cost disclosure for each specific unit applied for.

  • What is your pet policy?

    Some of our apartments are pet-friendly. Please consult with your Leasing Agent or Property Manager regarding the specific pet-policy of your building. Properties that are pet-friendly typically have the following rules and restrictions:


    Maximum number of pets: 2


    Maximum weight per pet: 35lbs


    Fees: $250-$350 non-refundable Pet Fee


    Breed restrictions may also apply.


    Service Dogs are exempt from all restrictions. The pet owner must provide detailed documentation to support the use of a service dog.

  • Are there maximum occupancy rules for your apartments?

    Studio = 2 max

    1 bed = 3 max

    2 bed = 4 max

    3 bed = 6 max

    4 bed = 7 max

  • Does Catalyst Realty charge any move-in fees?

    Yes. The following fees typically apply, but can vary and are subject to change:

    A non-refundable move-in fee that can range between $200 to $700*

    First month’s rent (including any required pet or parking fees) are due prior to moving in

    *Move-in fees may vary by property address or unit size.

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Qualifying for a Catalyst Realty Apartment Unit

  • Do you have minimum qualification criteria to rent an apartment?

    Catalyst Realty does enforce minimum qualification requirements for renting our apartments. However, because Catalyst Realty manages properties for different landlords, the qualifications may vary from one property to the next. Qualification criteria should always be consistent for any given property to be fair to all applicants. Catalyst Realty complies with all Fair Housing laws. In general, Catalyst Realty maintains the following guidelines for application:


    Move Date: Must be moving within the next 60 days

    Rental History: Must have rented an apartment for at least 1 year prior and be at least 18 years of age

    Co-Signer: If you have no rental history or have just turned 18, a co-signer may help you qualify

    Eviction History: No evictions in past 3 years

    Moving Papers: Must have access to your Moving Papers (Only applicable for Section 8 renters)

    Income: Net income (after taxes) is at least three times the monthly rent

    Employment: Must be employed or have a permanent source of income or subsidy


    If you would like a statement of specific reasons your application was declined, please make your request in writing and send to:

    Catalyst Realty

    444  W Lake St. 

    Chicago, IL 60606

  • How do I schedule a showing?

    Please contact us here to schedule a showing.

  • Does Catalyst Realty accept subsidy programs such as Section 8 or LIHTF?

    Catalyst Realty does accept Section 8 vouchers and many other subsidy programs. To inquire about your specific subsidy program, please email tyler@catalyst-realty.com

  • How much does it usually cost to heat an apartment?

    This can vary based on usage, the type of heating source, and other factors. Payments are made directly to your gas provider. If you are responsible for the heating cost, Paper Street does provide prospective tenants a heating cost disclosure for each specific unit applied for.

Moving In

  • My application is approved, and I am ready to move in. How do I get my keys?

    The following are required in order to receive your keys:

    Completed and signed lease

    First month’s rent

    Full or remaining balance of the move-in fee

  • Do I need to pay a security deposit?

    Most units do not require a Security Deposit. Please refer to your rental application or lease.

  • Is the move-in fee refundable?

    Move-in fees are non-refundable.

  • Does Catalyst Realty prorate rent if I move in after the 1st of the month?

    Rent is prorated based upon the date you received your keys.

Paying Rent

  • How do I pay my rent?

    Rent can be paid by credit card, debit card, check or money order using the following options:

    Pay rent online through the tenant portal

    Pay rent over the phone by calling 800-571-8062

    Mail a Money Order or Check To:

    444 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606

  • Is rent due on the 1st of the month?

    Rent must be received by the 1st of the month (unless explicitly stated otherwise on your lease) and late fees are assessed after the 5th.

  • Do you charge a late fee for rent paid after the 1st?

    Rent is due on the first, however applicable late fees are assessed after the 5th of the month. Failure to pay rent on time may result in collection or eviction actions being taken against you.

Keys & Mailbox Keys
  • Is there a charge to get additional keys for my unit and/or mailbox?

    Catalyst Realty charges $10 per additional key. Keys can be picked up at our office or directly from a Property Manager. Mailbox keys may not have spare copies available. This could result in additional charges to change the lock.

Maintenance
  • How can I submit a maintenance Request?

    Maintenance Requests can be submitted using the following options:

    Make the request online through your tenant portal 

    Make the request over the phone by calling 800-571-8062

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