Lotlyze Has Expanded to Chicago
Look up public unit-count evidence for Chicago residential 2–6 flats, plus violations, permits, and sales. Free.
Lotlyze has expanded to Chicago! The same free, instant property lookup NYC investors use is now live for Chicago. Type any Chicago address or Cook County PIN into the search bar and get:
- Unit-count evidence for residential 2–6 flats, from City building permits and the Cook County Assessor, with a warning when they disagree.
- Building violations, with open ones flagged.
- Permit history: up to 200 most recent matching City permits, with reported cost.
- Sales history: up to 20 most recent sales, with prices, buyers, and sellers.
- Building facts: year built, square footage, beds, and baths.
Why the unit count matters
A 3-flat that's legally a 2-flat is worth less, rents for less, and can blow up a closing. Chicago doesn't publish legal unit counts in a searchable database, and unpermitted garden units are everywhere. Lotlyze pulls the public record in seconds.
Try it: at 2121 N Laporte Ave, a 2026 permit authorizes a conversion to 3 units. The Assessor still says 2. Lotlyze shows you both; the permit does not prove the conversion was completed.
The fine print
Lotlyze shows the best public evidence, not a certified count. Only the City's Department of Planning and Development can certify legal units. Violations are limited to the 200 most recent matching records; City records match the street address and may miss other addresses on a parcel. If your deal depends on it, request a Residential Unit Verification.
FAQ
How do I look up how many legal units a Chicago building has?
Search the address or 14-digit Cook County PIN on lotlyze.com. Lotlyze shows the unit count stated in City of Chicago building permits and the Cook County Assessor's apartment count, and flags when they disagree. Only the City's Department of Planning and Development can certify a legal unit count, through a Residential Unit Verification.
Which Chicago buildings get a unit count?
Residential-only buildings with 2 to 6 units (Cook County Assessor class 211): Chicago's 2-flats, 3-flats, and 6-flats. Other Chicago properties can still show available matching violations, permits, and sales. Permit-stated counts do not confirm completed work or legal occupancy.
Is it free?
Yes. Searching on lotlyze.com is free and needs no account. API access requires a Pro subscription.
Still in New York? Lotlyze covers all five boroughs: ACRIS deeds, DOB permits, violations, and more.