rubytang,
You can check this website for rental too : www.craigslist.com, go to the page of chicago, there is a whole column of housing, look for apts/housing. There are both ads from direct owners and agents. For direct owners, you don't have to pay commission. Just like what Nillie said, you need to ask clearly what would be included in the rent. It's better to have individual meter for water and electricity/gas if it is not included. Some owner would ask for equal sharing amongst all tenants but I have experienced unfair arrangement - the owner has washing machine and she used it for her whole family (3 adults and 2 kids) but the tenants did not allow to wash clothes in the apts. I shared her water bill instead. Finally, I paid extra $70 for water and $40 for electricity/gas every month. Now, I rent another place with individual electricity/gas meter and I pay only no more than $30 every month for my whole family. Check the terms of contract too. Sometimes, the owner may charge you money to have someone staying in your apt temporarily (in case, your husband comes to spend vacation with you in the future).
花旗太太生活在花旗國,留意時差,你問我未必即時答到。