Tenant screening process

[Edd Sylvester]

I'm just beginning the tenant screening process and was wondering about some guidelines. My sense is that you can collect applications from anyone who fits your minimum criteria and then choose the "best" based on income, credit score, "gut feeling" etc. But the "gut feeling" thing seems like dangerous gray area legally. I've had some prospective tenants contact me who would be moving in with multiple family members, etc. I would view a family of 2 adults and 2 kids as preferred tenants over a couple, an uncle and a friend just from the standpoint of wear and tear from multiple adults, stability, etc. But making sure that isn't some form of discrimination. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.