[UT] Choose most qualified applicant instead of first applicant

[Account Closed]

I've been brushing up on Fair Housing and I'm not sure about this distinction. I know the protected classes in my state and locality.

Say I have an open house for a few hours and when I'm done I have X online applications. Am I required to select the first applicant who meets my requirements (income + credit score) or can I select the applicant with the largest income / credit score?

My belief is that since size of income is not a protected class, I am allowed to select (discriminate) based on this information.

[Robert Leonard]

"first come, first serve basis. This is a best practice."  NOT.  I've seen and heard that so many times.  It has a whole lot to do with why I manage my own properties.  

I'm a licensed REALTOR and I know and live by the Fair Housing Act.  That being said, I tell all potential applicants, "I treat my vacancy like a job opening.  I'm not going to rent to the first person who meets the minimum qualifications - I'm going to rent to the best applicant at the end of my application period."  That's usually about two weeks.  

Sketchy background and marginal applicants self select and never submit their applications.  Great applicants get excited, because they feel appreciated for having their stuff together.  The creme always rises to the top and I have great tenants!