Looking for answers about renting, property management, or maintenance with Buckeye Northwest Realty?
Our comprehensive FAQ page covers everything from rental applications and tenant responsibilities to property owner services and maintenance requests.
Find clear, detailed answers to common questions and streamline your rental experience.
If you need further assistance, call us at (419) 385-5555—our friendly team is happy to help!
Tenants (Renters) FAQs
How do I schedule a property showing?
You can RSVP for a showing online through our Rentals page or call (419) 385-5555 to schedule an appointment.
How do I apply for a rental property?
Our application process is primarily online. Find a property on our rentals page, RSVP for a showing, or apply directly. You must submit an application fee, approve credit and background checks, and provide proof of income. Decisions are typically made within 1-2 business days after we receive all required documents.
Do you accept applicants with bad credit or no credit?
Yes! A low or no credit score does not automatically disqualify you if you meet other criteria, such as income requirements, no evictions, a clean background check, and a positive landlord reference.
What criteria are needed when evaluating applicants for a rental?
- Credit & Background Check – A minimum 600 credit score is preferred.
- Income Verification – Net take-home income should be 3x of the rent amount.
- Rental History – Positive and verifiable references from past landlords.
- Eviction History – No evictions filed in the past 7 years.
What forms of income are acceptable for my application?
We evaluate net income over 12 months to ensure lease affordability, which includes:
- Pay stubs with year-to-date earnings (current & prior year)
- Social Security or disability benefits
- Unemployment income
- Welfare benefits (excluding food stamps & WIC)
- Alimony or child support payments
- Profit/Loss statement + tax return (for self-employed applicants)
- Section 8 Voucher / Rental Assistance Approval Letter
I’m self-employed, 1099, or a business owner. How do I show proof of income?
- A year-to-date Profit & Loss statement from an accountant or accounting software.
- The previous year’s tax return (including Schedule C if applicable).
- Revenue is NOT considered income—only net earnings after expenses count.
Do you accept Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVP)?
- Yes, we accept Section 8 for homes matching your voucher size. To qualify, applicants must meet 2 of these three requirements:
- 600+ credit score
- No evictions in the last 7 years
- Positive, verifiable landlord reference
- Applicants must also provide an RFTA packet and a signed Notice of Lease Termination from their current landlord.
Do you work with Rental Assistance Programs?
Yes, we work with various programs. Call us at (419) 385-5555 for details.
Can I reduce my security deposit?
- Reduced Security Deposit – Available if you meet all four application criteria.
- Full Deposit – Required if you meet 3 out of 4 criteria.
- Full Deposit + Last Month’s Rent – Required if you meet only 2 out of 4 criteria.
What are some reasons that could cause my application to be declined?
- You have an active eviction or owe money on a prior eviction.
- You have had multiple evictions in the past 7 years.
- Your net income is less than 2x the monthly rent.
- You have a history of lease violations, numerous late payments, or property damage.
- You have a felony conviction for violent crimes, drug trafficking, or felony theft.
Is there an application fee? If so, who has to pay it?
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $50 for each rental applicant over 18 years of age. This fee covers the cost of running credit and background checks.
Do you accept pets? If so, what fees are associated with having a pet?
- Yes, we love pets! However, not all properties accept them.
- $150 non-refundable pet fee (covers up to 2 pets)
- $30/month pet rent
- There is an additional $150 deposit per extra pet beyond two.
- Restrictions on pet size may apply to certain properties.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Tenants can report issues or submit maintenance requests through our online portal. Sign in and provide details of the problem, and our maintenance team will address it promptly.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant regarding property maintenance?
Tenants are responsible for keeping the property clean and sanitary, preventing excessive damage, reporting issues promptly, and repairing any damages they’ve caused.
How do I schedule a property showing?
You can RSVP for a showing online through our Rentals page or call (419) 385-5555 to schedule an appointment.
How do I apply for a rental property?
Our application process is primarily online. Find a property on our rentals page, RSVP for a showing, or apply directly. You must submit an application fee, approve credit and background checks, and provide proof of income. Decisions are typically made within 1-2 business days after we receive all required documents.
Do you accept applicants with bad credit or no credit?
Yes! A low or no credit score does not automatically disqualify you if you meet other criteria, such as income requirements, no evictions, a clean background check, and a positive landlord reference.
What criteria are needed when evaluating applicants for a rental?
- Credit & Background Check – A minimum 600 credit score is preferred.
- Income Verification – Net take-home income should be 3x of the rent amount.
- Rental History – Positive and verifiable references from past landlords.
- Eviction History – No evictions filed in the past 7 years.
What forms of income are acceptable for my application?
We evaluate net income over 12 months to ensure lease affordability, which includes:
- Pay stubs with year-to-date earnings (current & prior year)
- Social Security or disability benefits
- Unemployment income
- Welfare benefits (excluding food stamps & WIC)
- Alimony or child support payments
- Profit/Loss statement + tax return (for self-employed applicants)
- Section 8 Voucher / Rental Assistance Approval Letter
I’m self-employed, 1099, or a business owner. How do I show proof of income?
- A year-to-date Profit & Loss statement from an accountant or accounting software.
- The previous year’s tax return (including Schedule C if applicable).
- Revenue is NOT considered income—only net earnings after expenses count.
Do you accept Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVP)?
- Yes, we accept Section 8 for homes matching your voucher size. To qualify, applicants must meet 2 of these three requirements:
- 600+ credit score
- No evictions in the last 7 years
- Positive, verifiable landlord reference
- Applicants must also provide an RFTA packet and a signed Notice of Lease Termination from their current landlord.
Do you work with Rental Assistance Programs?
Yes, we work with various programs. Call us at (419) 385-5555 for details.
Can I reduce my security deposit?
- Reduced Security Deposit – Available if you meet all four application criteria.
- Full Deposit – Required if you meet 3 out of 4 criteria.
- Full Deposit + Last Month’s Rent – Required if you meet only 2 out of 4 criteria.
What are some reasons that could cause my application to be declined?
- You have an active eviction or owe money on a prior eviction.
- You have had multiple evictions in the past 7 years.
- Your net income is less than 2x the monthly rent.
- You have a history of lease violations, numerous late payments, or property damage.
- You have a felony conviction for violent crimes, drug trafficking, or felony theft.
Is there an application fee? If so, who has to pay it?
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $50 for each rental applicant over 18 years of age. This fee covers the cost of running credit and background checks.
Do you accept pets? If so, what fees are associated with having a pet?
- Yes, we love pets! However, not all properties accept them.
- $150 non-refundable pet fee (covers up to 2 pets)
- $30/month pet rent
- There is an additional $150 deposit per extra pet beyond two.
- Restrictions on pet size may apply to certain properties.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Tenants can report issues or submit maintenance requests through our online portal. Sign in and provide details of the problem, and our maintenance team will address it promptly.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant regarding property maintenance?
Tenants are responsible for keeping the property clean and sanitary, preventing excessive damage, reporting issues promptly, and repairing any damages they’ve caused.
Owners (Property Investors) FAQs
What benefits do you offer to property owners?
We provide a Rent-Ready Guarantee, direct communication with a dedicated property manager, an owner portal for easy access to reports and documents, timely monthly reporting and fund disbursement, low-cost maintenance, and invoices for all work performed.
How do you determine the rental price for my property?
Rental prices are determined based on market analysis, property condition, location, and comparable rental rates in the area. We aim to set a competitive price that attracts quality tenants while maximizing your return on investment.
Do you screen potential tenants?
We conduct thorough screenings, including credit and background checks, income and employment verification, and reference checks from previous landlords to ensure reliable and responsible tenants.
How do I receive rental income payments?
Available funds are disbursed automatically on the 2nd business day of each month. We offer ACH direct deposit to ensure timely and convenient payments directly into your bank account.
Do you provide end-of-year financial statements for tax purposes?
Yes, through our owner portal, you can access and retrieve historical information, including monthly reports and end-of-year financial statements, to assist with tax preparation.
Property Management FAQs
What services are included in your property management?
Our comprehensive property management services include tenant screening, lease agreements and renewals, rent collection, maintenance, regular inspections, and financial reporting.
How do you handle lease agreements and renewals?
We manage all aspects of lease agreements, from drafting and signing to renewals, ensuring compliance with local laws and protecting the interests of both owners and tenants.
Do you conduct regular property inspections?
Yes, we perform regular inspections to ensure the property is well-maintained and proactively address any potential issues.
How do you market rental properties to find tenants?
We utilize various marketing strategies to attract a wide pool of potential tenants, including online listings, social media promotion, and local advertising.
What accounting and financial reporting do you provide?
Owners can access detailed monthly reports, financial statements, and invoices for all work performed through our secure owner portal.
Property Maintenance FAQs
How do you handle emergency repairs?
Tenants can report emergency issues through our online portal or by contacting us directly. Our maintenance team responds promptly to address and resolve emergencies.
Who is responsible for lawn care and snow removal?
The lease agreement typically outlines lawn care and snow removal responsibilities and may vary by property. It’s important to review your lease terms to understand your obligations.
How often is routine maintenance performed?
Routine maintenance schedules depend on the specific needs of each property. Regular inspections help us determine and perform necessary upkeep to maintain the property’s condition.
Do you have in-house maintenance or use outside contractors?
We offer low-cost maintenance services and provide invoices for all work performed, ensuring transparency and quality in all maintenance activities.
What is the process for handling tenant maintenance requests?
Tenants submit maintenance requests through our online portal, providing details of the issue. Our maintenance team then assesses and addresses the request promptly.
