The Wilcox Company - Chicago, Illinois

Veni C.

Joe Wilcox is awesome. I had an issue and he made sure it would taken care of immediately. He took time to reach out to me even when he has others to handle these issues. Is maintenance person Mike is attentive, very nice and keeps communication open with me. This has been one of my best experiences dealing with a landlord and maintenance person. Thank you so much!!!

Catherine C.

I moved into my current apartment in December of 2020 and Wilcox was super helpful. My building is now managed under a new company who doesn’t at all compare—Wilcox waived our security deposit, was responsive and helpful with all issues, and was personable and available. They were also super understanding of tenants moving into units back to back and had the entire unit updated and thoroughly cleaned before we even moved in.

Michael W.

I found Wilcox company on Yelp. My father had just passed away and I was left with a building to manage. I have many hopes and aspirations, being a landlord is not one of them. I contacted the office and arranged to me up with Joe at the building. Immediately I knew I was in good hands, Joe added value from the second I shook his hand. He made suggestions, evaluated the rental space and provided feedback for comparable rental properties. The Wilcox Company takes care of all of the details, and for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend them to anyone with rental property they just don't have the time or experience to manage.

Hugh A.

I’m writing as a prospective tenant who recently applied for an apartment managed by Wilcox Company. I cannot speak to their actual management in the duration of a lease.

First, the good: the company has generally been responsive to my communications and the leasing agent, Tim, seemed like a nice guy, was courteous, answered my questions, etc.

The bad:
First of all, the listing for the apartment I considered describes a $500 “security deposit.” After paying for my $50 application and reviewing the lease, it was made abundantly clear that this is in fact a $500, non-refundable, leasing fee. That alone should merit a refund of my application fee.

More importantly, the terms of the lease are borderline unconscionable. I understand that these are, in part, down to the property owner; however, this does not mean anyone should present these as reasonable terms, especially after taking someone’s time and application fee.

The most problematic terms include:
• Barring leaving your pet unattended, ever, for any length of time.
• Requiring that a tenant sweep the floors and perform routine maintenance of apartment common areas because they have a pet.
• Barring all exercise equipment (no definition provided. Is a yoga mat exercise equipment leading to a breach of lease? Who knows)
• Prohibiting furniture and appliances: “Lessee owned dishwasher, washing machines, waterbeds, pool tables, ping pong tables, pinball machines, etc.(?) are not allowed”. There is no definition or clarification as to what is meant by “etc”.
• Tenants are responsible for landlord’s legal fees.
• Landlord can relet the apartment if a tenant “removes a substantial portion of his personal property” and continue charging the tenant.
• There is no limitation on the number of maintenance inspections to be performed or notice required prior to such inspections.
• No adhesives of any kind are allowed on any surface.
• Lessee shall “return the floors to move-in condition”; no clarification on whether this means paying to redo apartment floors after normal wear and tear.
• signs, posters, flags or other decorations cannot be visible from the public street.
• Tenants are responsible for installing and uninstalling window AC units and are required to do so seasonally. Tenants are solely responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement of AC units, without provision for landlord repair for normal wear and tear of landlord property (and, to be clear, there is no central air).

Upon responding, within an hour of receiving the lease, that these terms should be amended, my application acceptance was rescinded. And, as noted, despite the misrepresentation of the leasing fee as a security deposit, there has been no refund of my application fee.

I've rented apartments for many years. I've reviewed many leases, including for comparable properties in the course of my current apartment search. The terms of this lease are most absurd and onerous I've seen and should be presented up front in the process.

Miriam O. E.

Joe has managed my properties in Chicago since 2013. I have not had even a single complaint regarding their services. I am truly blessed to have Joe and The Wilcox Company manage my properties. I sleep better at night knowing that my investments are in great hands. This statement is pertinent because I now reside in another state. I never for one day worry about my properties or their condition. As a matter of fact, I intend to return to Chicago just to purchase more investment properties knowing that Joe will care for them as he would his own properties. I send 2017 blessings to Joe and The Wilcox Company. Please keep up the fabulous work!!! With gratitude and enthusiasm! --- Miriam.

Joan M. D.

Joe Wilcox has been my property manager for five years and I cannot say enough about the excellent service he provides. His attention to detail, attending to requests from tenants, and finding new renters makes him a top notch property manager. I highly recommend him to both renters and property owners!

Dale B.

I've worked with The Wilcox Company to buy both our first and 2nd homes. We were always happy with the attention to our needs and concerns during the purchase process. We were provided all necessary information to make informed decisions and given excellent referrals for things like inspections, legal advice, contractors, etc.

When my wife and I decided to sell our first home and look for a larger live-in /rental property we called the Wilcox Company to handle the sale of home #1 and purchase of our 2-flat. Again, fully satisfied with all aspects of the transactions - pricing, communication, professionalism.

My family has since moved out of Chicago but we have kept our 2-flat in Andersonville and left the management of our property to The Wilcox Company. We couldn't be happier knowing that all tenant and property issues are covered. Our building has always been kept rented and the tenants have never had a complaint.

The Wilcox Company might not be the biggest realtor out there but we couldn't be happier with the service and attention over the years. Working with a local small business that truly knows Chicago and it's many neighborhoods is invaluable.

Highly recommended!

Ashley G.

We used the Wilcox Company to help us find out first home in fall of 2021. Joe helped us personally and we really loved working with him. Joe was very responsive and worked hard to help us find the perfect first home! He was always there when we had a question and worked quickly to help us get everything done during closing. We would recommend The Wilcox company highly for all of your home rental and buying needs.