Qualified applicant wants to know reason for rejection

[Elizabeth V.]

Hello! This is my first Bigger Pockets post. We had a qualified renter apply to rent our home, and she emailed asking why we rejected her. She's surprised that she's having such a difficult time finding a place to rent when she and her family are, by all measures, ideal candidates. I wanted to respond in a helpful and kind way, but I also wanted to ensure that I didn't say anything that could lead to my being accused of being discriminatory (or any other accusation). 

I'd appreciate feedback from my fellow BPers. Thank you! The letter is below

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Dear Prospective Tenant,

It really was a matter that we "lucked out" with an extremely qualified applicant. My guess is that there are very few like the ones that applied for our house. Because we had strong applicants (including you), I actually consulted with a couple of outside landlords to give a neutral opinion. I talked about our top three picks (Applicants A, B and C) and gave information without revealing personal details. The choice was unanimous.

The applicant not only had glowing personal references (a must, of course) they had:
• Credit scores over 800
• Guaranteed income from a solvent state pension
• Significant savings in their personal accounts

The "tipping point" seemed to be the guaranteed income. This is virtually impossible to find in a renter, and eliminates the prospect of evicting someone due to an inability to pay rent. The applicants we chose, like you, offered to pay rent before their actual move-in date to secure the property. They, like you, were looking for a long-term rental. They, like you, had adequate income for rent.

Times have really changed... this is not how it was five years ago when we first rented out the house, where no applicant had guaranteed income, let alone savings. I think it's a matter of lack of inventory. There are only about a dozen homes for rent in our zip code.

I am very surprised that we had choices from such wonderful applicants.

As far as how you appear on paper, you and your family would make ideal renters. I'm just as surprised as you are that you're having such difficulty. 

All the best,