FAQ

1. What criteria is considered when making a decision about a rental?

To make a decision about whether an applicant is eligible for rental, we look at the following:

Credit & Background Checks
Income/Employment Verification
Referenced From Previous Landlords
Check For Prior Evictions

To make a determination about the total amount of the security deposit due we look at the following:

Credit Score of 600 or greater
Net Take-Home Income Average Greater Than 3x Rent Amount
Verifiable & Positive Landlord Reference
No Evictions Filed in Past 7 Years

2. Is there an application fee? If so, who has to pay it?

Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $50 which is used to run a credit & background check for each rental applicant. Any occupant of a property who is over the age of 18 is required to submit a separate application and fee to have a background check run. The application fee can be paid online using a debit card or electronic check (banking account), or you can pay the fee in person with exact cash or money order by visiting our office at 404 S. Reynolds Rd, Suite 1 Toledo, OH 43615.

3. What will my move-in costs be?

Move in costs are based on each application. The advertised reduced security deposit (if available) is offered to applicants meeting all 4 criteria. A full deposit is offered to applicants meeting 3 of the 4 application criteria. A full deposit plus last month’s rent paid at move in is offered to applicants meeting 2 of the 4 application criteria.

4. Do you accept pets? If so, what fees are associated with having a pet?

Yes! We love pets at Buckeye Northwest Realty! That being said, not every available rental property accepts pets. If you plan on having a pet at your property, you will be required to pay a one-time, non-refundable pet fee of $150.00. Tenants with pets will also be required to pay an additional $30/month in rental for "pet renting"

Note: not all dog breeds are allowed. The list of restricted dog breeds is specified by our insurers. That being said, it is very important that you disclose the dog's breed when asking out pets, fees, etc. Also, some homes will have a limit on the number of pets allowed in the home at one time.

The pets fees cover a maximum of 2 pets, unless otherwise stated (there is an additional $150 deposit required for each additional pet after the first two). All pets residing at the property must be officially disclosed (in writing) to Buckeye Northwest Realty. If at any time it is discovered that there are pets residing at the property which have not been properly reported, regardless of whether a tenant has already paid the initial pet fee or is already paying the monthly pet rent, additional fees may be assessed.

5. What about bad credit? What about NO credit?

We understand that not everyone has perfect credit, so don’t allow poor credit or lack of credit to prevent you from applying, especially if you feel you would be able to meet the other rental criteria (i.e. income, free of evictions, clean background check, landlord reference).

6. What forms of income are acceptable to submit for my application?

We evaluate net income over a 12-month period, and as such will average income earned over time to ensure you qualify for our 1-year lease. Acceptable sources of income which you can submit as proof of average household income include:

Pay stubs showing year-to-date income and deductions (both current and prior year)
Social security / disability award letter(s)
Unemployment (List of all payments received)
Welfare Documentation (Not Food Stamps or WIC)
Alimony or Child Support (List of payments received)
Profit/Loss for current year and last year's tax return for self-employed (1099, LLC, etc)
Section 8 Voucher / Offer Letter from rental assistance program

7. I'm self-employed, 1099, or a business owner. What do I show?

In order to evaluate net income for those that are self-employed, contractors, and business owners, we need to evaluate net income from those sources. We require a year-to-date profit and loss form from a certified accountant or accounting software, and last year’s tax return. Revenue is NOT income and is not evaluated as such for rent. Net income from these sources is revenue received less any deductible expenses, which can vary depending on each income source’s operation. For more specifics on your situation, call our office for more information

8. I want to see a property. How do I make an appointment to see it?

You can always call us at 1-419-385-5555 to make an appointment. One our amazing staff members will help you get set up right away! If calling isn't your style, we have all available showings listed on our rentals page - if you see a showing you'd like to attend feel free to RSVP right on our website!

9. Do you work with Rental Assistance Programs?

Yes, we do work with many available programs, and we would be more than happy to speak with you regarding your specific housing needs. Call our office for more information.

10. Do you accept Section 8 / HCVP?

We accept Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher for a home matching the voucher bedroom size. A voucher will automatically get a yes for income, but if you are applying for a single family home you must provide proof of income to be able to pay the water/ utilities as required by lease terms. To be approved, the HCVP applicants need to meet at least 2 of the 3 following requirements:

Applicant needs to have a credit score of 600 or better.
No eviction in the past seven years.
Applicant must have a verifiable and positive landlord reference.

In order to take a home off the market, the applicant must provide a RFTA packet including the Notice of Lease Termination signed by their current landlord. Once we complete the RFTA and provide LMHA all necessary documents, an inspection date must be provided within 14 days or the home will be placed back on the market and the deposit refunded.

LMHA may require additional concessions, such as a lower rent, After inspection, there may also be repairs required to meet HQS. In the event the property owner declines rent concessions or to complete repairs to pass HQS, the home will be placed back on the market and the deposit refunded.

11. How do I start my application?

Our application process can be completed almost entirely online. First, find a property you like on our rentals page. When viewing the property you have the options to RSVP for a showing or APPLY ONLINE.

Next, you will submit your application fee, and we will subsequently send you the link to approve and execute the credit and background checks. Once those steps have been completed, we ask that you submit all eligible proof(s) of income (either via fax, email, or in person to our office). After we have collected all necessary information, our leasing managers will process the file to make a decision, and you are usually contacted within 1 to 2 business days with our decision.

12. How can I submit proof of income?

Proof of income can be submitted when applying online, or by sending an email toapply@buckeyenw.com, by sending a fax to 419-776-5841, or by dropping copies off at our office at 404 S. Reynolds Rd, Suite 1 Toledo, OH 43615. If you send an email, you can attach PDF copies or, if you are able to take CLEAR, LEGIBLE photos of your paystubs, etc., you may email JPG photos of your income sources.

13. How do I submit rental references?

Just like proof of income, rental references can be submitted when applying by providing contact information for current housing. We will provide the signed application if necessary and contact your landlord reference direcly. References should adhere to the following criteria:

Rent amount must be similar (at least 80%) of rent amount of the property for which you are applying.
Must be verifiable (person providing reference must be owner or authorized manager for the owner)
Cannot be family or friend
Must be on the lease, satisfy the entire lease, not owe any money, and follow lease terms for notice to move-out
Not have been issued 3-Day notice for non-payment or had eviction filed, not have had multple deliquencies, and not have caused damage to unit or property

14. What reasons could my application be declined?

We have an automatic decline policy that will automatically decline any application that is received that meets
the following criteria:

If you are in a current eviction or money owed on a prior eviction
If you have more than one eviction filed within the last 7 years
If your net take-home income is less than double the monthly rental amount. (ie. If rent is $700/month you must have proof of at least $1400/month income.)
If you are in a current lease, have had multiple delinquencies, 3-day notices, or caused damage at a current rental, based on your landlord reference
If you meet 1 or 0 of the 4 application criteria
If you have a criminal conviction for:
VIOLENCE: Will prevent you from obtaining a multi-family home.
FELONY THEFT: Will prevent you from obtaining any home.
DRUG TRAFFICKING: Will prevent you from obtaining any home.

In the case of a denied application it is important to remember that all application fees are non-refundable and will not be returned under any circumstances.

If you have a question not on our FAQ page, contact the buckeye office at 419-385-5555