The Apartment People

The Apartment People is an apartment finding service based out of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1984, it is the largest free apartment finding service in Chicago, with over 100 rental agents and offices in Lakeview, River North, and Evanston. It has a real estate division called AP Realty.<ref name="one"/>
It is intended for both landlords looking to rent out properties and potential renters. The company helps renters find apartments online, over the phone, or in person.<ref name="one"/><ref name="three"/>
Overview
Founding
Bob Scholl founded The Apartment People in 1984 with the purpose of connecting landlords and renters. The company was the original apartment finding service in Chicago, and as of 2012 employs over 100 rental agents with offices open seven days a week. It has offices located in Lakeview, River North, and Evanston. The company has a real estate division titled AP Realty.<ref name="one"/>
Features
Landlords looking to rent their apartment can use The Apartment People's services to increase the property's visibility. The company evaluates properties to determine a fair rent price, then post photographs of the property on their website. As of 2012 the website receives approximately 30,000 visitors each month.<ref name="three"/> In addition to rental listings, the website contains overviews of Chicago neighborhoods, and has tips on how to make living in or owning an apartment cheaper and more eco-friendly.<ref name="one"/>
Services for renters are free, and the company helps renters through its website or in person. The website has listings in over 30 different neighborhoods, many of which are only offered through The Apartment People. Search parameters include neighborhoods, price ranges, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lease dates, and pet policies. Renters can schedule tours of available apartments all week. Agents show apartments to potential renters and handle the paperwork to lease a property.<ref name="one"/>
Media
The company was voted “Best Apartment Finder” in the Chicago Reader's “Best of Chicago” issue in 2010, 2011 and 2012.<ref name="one"/><ref name="five"/> Their management has also been quoted on real estate matters by all the major news organization in Chicago.<ref name="one"/><ref name="seven"/> The company was featured on the cover of Crain's Chicago Business<ref name="six"/> and a number of Sunday Tribune real estate cover stories. Chicago Now called the company a "strong, reputable company/broker."<ref name="eight"/>
They have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau for over 20 years, have an A+ BBB rating,<ref name="two"/> and received the Better Business Bureau's Award for Marketplace Ethics.<ref name="one"/><ref name="five"/>
The company supports a number of different charities, including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Special Olympics International.<ref name="four"/>

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