Ran rental app on husband's info - can I tell wife when I call?

[S Harper]

The husband filled out the application since he is the only one working. Failed to get the app fee and birthdate on wife to run hers (only second time we have had to rent a place, so still making rookie mistakes).
His is Not Good - poor credit score, 2 tax liens, several collection accounts. Almost all from last year. I am thinking his wife's report cannot be good enough to outweigh.
So when I call to deny the application - can I tell the wife this much as reason for denial? Or do I just need to leave a message for the husband?
Any advice would be a huge help. Thanks.