Prospective resident FAQ's

Of course, we would love to meet you! Please contact us to schedule an in-person OR virtual tour!

We have walk-in office hours Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5 PM. We are available on Saturdays for tours already scheduled during the week. We are closed on Sundays.

We sign leases on a first-come, first-served basis. If you think you know which building you’ll want to live in, please don’t wait to sign your lease. We don’t want you to be disappointed!

Yes! We allow up to 2 pets with no breed restrictions. The second pet must be under 35 lbs. We require a $250 non-refundable fee per pet due at move-in and a $25/month pet rent per pet. Some exclusions may apply.

Yes, all Smile apartments are fully furnished. Please ask us about possible unfurnished options.

Yes, some are (Internet, water, sewer, trash service, and recycling). Utilities included in the monthly service and utility charge vary by building. Ask a leasing agent for more details.

Yes! We have parking spots for rent at or near our properties. Some buildings even have a free parking spot included. You can view the parking spot locations here. 

This means everyone who signs and co-signs the lease is responsible for making sure all the rent is paid.  If you need more information or advice on your lease, please check out the University’s Off-Campus Community Living (OCCL) office.

Smile leases typically run from mid-August to the end of July. However, rent is paid in 12 equal monthly installments, with the first installment due on August 1st.

Nope! Please submit only one application, and the Smile Team can transfer your application to any Smile property.

You can put your own contact info and a salary of $1.00.

Provide your SSN if you have one. If you do not have one, you may enter 999-99-9999

You do not need a co-signer if you are a UIUC student and meet the credit requirements OR you meet our credit and income guidelines and are not a UIUC student. 

Domestic UIUC Students: Valid driver's license or state ID and registration/enrollment paperwork or an admission letter

International UIUC Students: Visa and I-20. If you cannot provide these documents, please upload your Passport and UIUC acceptance letter.  *Please note: a Visa and I-20 must be provided before your move-in* 

Non-Students: Valid driver's license or state ID and last 30 days of pay stubs or an offer letter

If you've never had a landlord, you can put yourself as your landlord and provide your current or home address.

We charge a $300 non-refundable admin fee that covers your application fee, a light unit cleaning, and a carpet/furniture cleaning at the time of move-out. You can also opt to pay a traditional security deposit instead, equal to one month's rent.

Find our Move-In Guide here.