Choosing A Tenant

[N/A N/A]

I advertised my unit on craigslist. In one day I got 3 perspective tenants who filled out applications and made out checks for the screening. Out of the three one looked really good on paper and I really liked her (a single girl the first one to apply). The next day a couple who both looked really good on paper, have individually and combined higher income than the single girl and whom I liked applied. My conundrum is, do I have to submit all the applications to the screening company or just the two that I like? Also if both the single girl and the couple pass the screenings how do I choose and what do I tell the other applicants?

[Jason Barnett]

This one's easy.

To the girl:

"I have checked out your background and you look like a good prospective tenant. Unfortunately I have someone else that I'm going to put into this unit (home), but I will be happy to talk with some of the other landlords I know to see if they have any openings."

Likely this will be the end of it. But if she asks why you're not choosing her:

"A major part of my screening criteria is the rent-to-income ratio. I have another couple that has a higher combined income and so I'm electing to rent the apartment to them."

To the couple:

"Welcome! Just sign on the dotted line."