How many tenants is too many?

[Justin Owens]

I had a prospective tenant showing of a 2 bed 2 bath Townhome with a very small walled courtyard. The online questionairre indicated there would be 3 adults a 2 dogs. After speaking with the woman who showed up, she asked why all us landlords descriminated against felons. She goes on to explain she wanted he boyfriend and 2 brothers to live with her there along with 2 dogs one large and one medium sized. She goes on to explain one brother is a level 1 sex offender because of trouble he got into at 18 and he is now 25. I was reeling from the sex offender ramifications but trying to get 4 adults and 2 dogs in 1000 sf town home on 2 levels seems like a lot of wear and tear. I have no doubt people have seen worse but I thought I better wait for a better tenant than get desperate to rent to this group. Any thoughts?

[Jeff Copeland]

The number of tenants is a judgement call to some degree...just be consistent with your policy (and ideally have it in place beforehand for future prospects). 

In this case, you're probably better off basing a denial on their criminal record, sex offender records, or pets (consistent with fair house laws and state/municipal law).