FIrst tenant screening help

[Mark Derby]

I listed my first floor apartment for the first time last night on CL and immediately got many inquiries. Some just replies that they want to see the apartment. I directed them to my website where they could see interior photos and review the rental requirements (screening process). None of those people have since responded.

I received several that contacted me both through the CL ad, followed up buy contacting me via my website and left me voice mail on my cell phone. My cell phone can only be found on the rental application available on the website. These few I called today and conducted prescreening. Several of them made it on to the showing. Of these, two were interested.

The first: Single mom with two young kids. She has a full time job with stable history and has a voucher that covers the entire rent with plenty left over for utilities. I was very comfortable with her personally. She was direct, always made eye contact, new what she wanted, wasn't shy about asking questions, etc. Seemed like a solid character. She brought her boyfriend who also seemed fine but said he would not be on the lease and would not be living there.

My website says that I must meet everyone the that will be on the lease, including the pets. She told me on the phone that she had a dog but showed up with two large pit bulls. I've read the recent thread on pits… I'm a dog person and actually have some training and behavioral experience ( I have a huge great date that sleeps in the bed but that's story for another time…) I understand the Pit breed and stigma. They were both happy calm dogs but she said that she has had a terrible time finding a place because of the dogs and is just looking for a de-leaded place for her kids to live.

The 2nd: A young woman, maybe mid-upper 20s. Well dressed, drove a new Explorer, same character, stable job as a dental hygienist and bartender at a very nice restaurant. She said it would be only her and her sister and they were just looking to be closer to down town where they both worked. She brought a 13 YO FM german shepherd which she disclosed on the phone. This was a sweet old dog that did not raise any safety concerns, with me anyway.

I need to see what my insurance says about dogs or breed specific before proceeding with either of the two. My concern is more with the pits and upstairs / neighbors feeling threatened, etc.

I haven't seen either's application yet so who knows what will turn up in their history. Neither claimed to have an issue with the firs last or security or ability to make rent.

Based on what I've learned so far, who's the better tenant? Garanteed voucher money with pits or young professional women with a sweet old Shepherd?