September 3, 2025
No Comments on Tenant Screening Process: What Toledo Landlords Look For in the Fall
Looking to move this fall? You're not alone.
As the busy summer season winds down, many renters in Toledo are taking advantage of the fall rental market, when competition slows, landlords are eager to fill vacancies, and you can take a little more time to find the perfect place.
However, it helps to know what landlords are looking for when submitting rental applications, especially during this season.
At, we work with property owners across Toledo, and here’s what they focus on when reviewing applications in the fall.
Why Fall is a Smart Time to Rent
Fall rentals offer:
- A less competitive market, giving your application more visibility
- Landlords looking to fill units before winter
- More flexibility and longer lease options in some cases
That also means landlords take more time to screen renters carefully, allowing you to stand out for all the right reasons.
What Landlords Are Looking For (and How to Be Prepared)
Buckeye Northwest Realty’s Screening Criteria
When you apply for a rental with us, your application is reviewed using four primary qualifications. The good news?
You only need to meet 2 out of the 4 to be eligible for approval:
- Credit Score of 600 or Better
A score of 600+ helps us see that you’re managing credit responsibly.
- Monthly Income That’s 3x the Rent (Before Taxes)
This ensures you can comfortably afford the rental you’re applying for.
- Positive and Verifiable Landlord Reference
A strong rental history goes a long way. We look for feedback that confirms on-time payments and respectful tenancy.
- No Evictions Filed in the Past 7 Years
A clean eviction history shows us you’ve had reliable housing stability.
Tip: Even if you’re unsure whether you meet every qualification, it’s worth applying—meeting just two opens the door to many of our Toledo rentals.
Credit Check
We do run a credit check as part of the screening process. While credit doesn’t need to be perfect, we typically look for a score of 600 or above.
We review:
- Timely payment history
- Outstanding debts
- Any rental-related collections
Tip: If your score is below 600, include a note explaining your situation and how you’re improving it in your application. A co-signer or other strong qualifications can help.
Income & Employment
You must earn at least 3x the monthly rent before taxes to meet our income qualification.
We may request:
- Recent pay stubs
- Job offer letters
- Self-employment income proof
Tip: If your income varies, provide average earnings across a few months to give us the whole picture.
Rental History
Landlord references give us insight into your rental behavior. We look for:
- On-time payments
- Proper notice before moving
- Respectful treatment of the property
Tip: First-time renter? Employer or personal references can help you build a strong application.
Background Check
To help maintain a safe, respectful rental community, we run background checks to verify the following:
- No evictions within the past 7 years
- Basic identity match
- No disqualifying criminal history
Tip: Always be honest on your application. Transparency builds trust.
Communication Matters
How you engage with our team during the process can make a difference.
We appreciate renters who:
- Respond in a timely and respectful manner
- Provide accurate, complete information
- Communicate clearly and professionally
Tip: Treat your rental search like a job application. It really can set you apart.
We’re Here to Help Toledo Renters Succeed
At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we’re not just here to fill properties—we’re here to help renters find homes they love. We’re committed to a fair, efficient, and respectful screening process that allows tenants and landlords to succeed.
Ready to Find Your Next Rental?
We’ve got listings across Toledo that are move-in ready this fall.
