Overview and location
MDA Apartments is a student‑housing property located at Chicago, IL 60601, USA – a central address in downtown Chicago. The building offers studio, one‑bedroom, and two‑bedroom units, plus general apartments. Unit tags include fitness centre, parking, and WiFi. The property is within reach of several universities, including the University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), and Illinois Institute of Technology. The minimum lease term is 9 months, and units are available from July 2026.
The city of Chicago has over 95 student‑housing properties listed on the platform, with prices starting from $600 per month. MDA Apartments sits at a higher price tier: monthly rents range from $1,760 to $2,885. This positions the property well above the city’s entry‑level options, reflecting its downtown location and the amenities it advertises.
Who should consider MDA Apartments
MDA Apartments may be suitable for students or young professionals who prioritise a downtown Chicago location and are willing to pay a premium for it. The building’s advertised amenities – fitness centre, parking, WiFi – are common in newer or mid‑range properties, and the central address offers proximity to public transport, restaurants, and cultural venues. Students attending universities close to the Loop (e.g., UIC, Illinois Institute of Technology) could find the commute convenient, though the University of Chicago’s main campus in Hyde Park is further south.
The property also accepts short‑to‑medium leases of 9 months, which can be helpful for academic calendars or temporary placements. The availability of studios and one‑bedroom units gives independent living options, while two‑bedroom units can suit shared arrangements.
Who should look elsewhere
Given the price range ($1,760–$2,885/month) and the Google rating of 2.9 from 139 reviews, MDA Apartments does not appeal to budget‑conscious renters. The city from‑price of $600 indicates that much more affordable options exist – typically shared apartments, older buildings, or properties further from the centre. Students on a tight budget should consider those alternatives.
Moreover, the three Google reviews provided (all 1‑star) raise serious concerns. One review mentions cockroaches, unprofessional management, and broken elevators. Another describes a non‑transparent application process and a partial refund. The third cites unfulfilled amenities (hot tub closed permanently). These issues suggest that the living experience may not match the advertised picture. Renters who value cleanliness, reliable management, and working facilities would be better served elsewhere. The property also does not appear to include all utilities or deposits in the listed price – the deposit field is null, so confirm these costs directly.
What residents say
Three reviews from Google (all rated 1‑star) are on record. Below are verbatim excerpts:
“Do not rent here. COCKROACHES are only the worst of the problems you will have. I lived here for 16 months, and it was easily the worst living situation I’ve ever been in. If you want to pay a couple thousand dollars per month to live with cockroaches, deal with unprofessional management, and rarely have working elevat” – Reid Courtney
“After selecting a unit, my application was denied. I was told by Joseph that the application was ‘basically’ free. I paid $400 together in a lump sum amount. In other words the deposit and application fee were not itemized but presented as a single amount. They refunded my account $350. Now, I have paid application fee” – Empress Rachel
“When we first moved here, we were excited and full of hope. The building’s location and advertised amenities initially made us feel confident in our decision. During our first visit, the leasing agent mentioned that the hot tub in rooftop was temporarily closed due to COVID. However, as time went on, we realized this w” – Junior Silva
These reviews indicate persistent problems: pest control, management responsiveness, transparency of fees, and maintenance of advertised amenities (the hot tub appears to have been closed indefinitely). While reviews represent individual experiences, the consistency of complaints across different tenants suggests a pattern. Prospective renters should weigh these testimonials heavily and try to contact current or past residents for a fuller picture.
Price and room types
Chicago’s student‑housing market is diverse. The city from‑price of $600 typically covers shared rooms or basic studios in less central areas. At $1,760–$2,885 per month, MDA Apartments falls in the upper‑mid to high range. Exact pricing per unit type is not provided, so a breakdown is not possible. As a reference:
- Studio: likely near the lower end of the range ($1,760+)
- One‑bedroom: mid‑range (around $2,000–$2,400)
- Two‑bedroom: upper end (around $2,500–$2,885)
All prices are indicative – confirm with the operator. The deposit amount is not listed (null), so budget for a separate deposit fee.
Room‑type guidance: If you are comfortable sharing, a two‑bedroom unit splits the cost between two people, potentially bringing per‑person rent into the $900–$1,400 range – still above city minimum but more manageable. A studio offers the most privacy at the highest per‑person cost.
Booking timing and lease terms
Units are listed as available from July 2026. The peak booking period for fall semester (August–September) in Chicago typically runs from March to June, so prospective tenants should start inquiries early in 2026. The minimum lease is 9 months, aligning with a typical academic year (e.g., September to May). Shorter leases may not be available. Since reviews indicate management and maintenance issues, it is prudent to request a walk‑through of the exact unit before signing, and to ask for a written breakdown of all fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the management responsive?
Based on the Google reviews, management responsiveness appears poor. Reid Courtney describes “unprofessional management” and Empress Rachel mentions a confusing refund process. You should contact the operator directly and ask about average response times for maintenance requests. There is no official rating dimension data to confirm or deny, so personal verification is recommended.
Are utilities included in the rent?
The listing does not specify what utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are included. The tag “wifi” suggests internet may be available, but inclusion is not guaranteed. You must clarify with the operator. Also confirm whether parking is included or charged separately.
What is the cancellation policy?
The available data does not provide cancellation terms. Given the low rating and reported issues, clarify the cancellation and re‑letting policy before signing a lease. Some properties require a full year’s rent or a penalty of several months if you leave early. Ask for written terms.
Sources & data date
This article is based on data retrieved from the Amber platform as of July 2026. All prices and availability are indicative – confirm with the operator before making any decision.
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