How We Track Move-In Specials

Last updated: November 8, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Chicago Move In Specials lists move-in specials that Chicago apartment buildings advertise publicly: free rent, rent credits, waived fees and perks.
  • Every special links to the page where it was found and is labeled with its source type: the building’s website, the leasing office, a rental data feed or an apartment listing site.
  • Each special shows the date it was first seen and the date it was last updated.
  • A special drops off the main list automatically once its stated deadline passes or the source no longer shows it, and it stays in the building’s special history.
  • Specials can change without notice, so confirm the current terms with the leasing office before you apply.

Chicago Move In Specials records the move-in specials Chicago apartment buildings advertise, links each one to its source, and shows when it was last updated. It does not negotiate specials or represent buildings. This page explains where the data comes from, how specials are labeled and when they are removed.

Where do the specials come from?

Specials come from four kinds of public sources: a building’s own website, its leasing office, rental data feeds, and apartment listing sites. Each special on the site records the source name, a link to the source page and the source type, so you can see exactly where an offer was found.

What do the source labels mean?

LabelWhat it means
Source: building’s websiteThe special appears on the building’s own leasing website.
Source: leasing officeThe special was provided by the building’s leasing office.
Source: rental data feedThe special came from a rental data feed that reports building concessions.
Source: apartment listing siteThe special appears on a third-party apartment listing site.

What do “first seen” and “last updated” mean?

“First seen” is the date the special was first recorded on Chicago Move In Specials. “Last updated” is the most recent date the special was recorded from its source. Both dates appear on each building page and in the downloadable CSV and JSON data.

When is a special removed?

A special leaves the main list when its stated deadline passes, or when a later update from the same source no longer shows it. Removed specials stay in the building’s special history with their status (for example, “Expired” or “Ended”) so you can see how a building’s offers have changed over time.

How is “est. savings” calculated?

Estimated savings equal the weeks of free rent ÷ 4.33 × the lowest advertised rent, plus any dollar rent credit. It is a rough figure for comparing offers. Your actual savings depend on the apartment and lease you choose. The net effective rent guide explains how to calculate the real monthly cost, and the move-in fees and security deposits guide covers one-time move-in costs and Chicago’s deposit rules.

How do I report a correction?

Email joe.bjorklund@bairdwarner.com with the building name, what is wrong and a link to the current offer if you have one. Building managers can also send their current specials for listing. Chicago Move In Specials is operated by Joe Bjorklund of Baird & Warner.

How we track specials: FAQ

Where does Chicago Move In Specials get its data?

Chicago Move In Specials records move-in specials that Chicago apartment buildings advertise on their own websites, through their leasing offices, in rental data feeds and on apartment listing sites. Every special links to its source page and is labeled with its source type, so you can check where the offer was found and when it was last updated.

How current are the specials on Chicago Move In Specials?

Each special shows the date it was last updated from its source, and the home page shows the most recent update across all buildings. Specials with a stated deadline drop off the main list automatically after that date. Buildings can change or end offers at any time, so confirm the current terms with the leasing office before you tour or apply.

Does Chicago Move In Specials guarantee a special?

No. Chicago Move In Specials reports specials as buildings advertise them and links to the source. It does not set or guarantee terms, and the building’s lease is what applies. Large specials often apply only to certain apartments, lease lengths or move-in dates, so ask the leasing office which units qualify before you sign.

What happens to a special after it ends?

When a special’s deadline passes or its source stops showing it, the special leaves the main list and moves to that building’s special history with its status, such as “Expired” or “Ended.” The history keeps the headline, terms, source and dates, so renters can see how often a building has offered concessions.

How do I report a wrong or missing special?

Email joe.bjorklund@bairdwarner.com with the building name, the problem and a link to the current offer if you have one. Building managers can send current specials for listing the same way. Corrections are reflected on the building page, and the change shows in the “last updated” date for that special.

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