Does law require landlord accept the first qualified applicant?

[John Wright]

I am in the process of transitioning tenants for my single family home rental property.  I've been lucky with a strong response from my listing but it has raised a question in my mind.  Let's assume 2 or more prospective tenants submit applications, pass the credit and background screening, and meet my other minimum criteria.

Must I accept the the tenants on a first-come first-served basis?  Or can I pick the best applicant.  For example, if they all pass the minimum criteria but one has a credit score of 800 or one applicant rented their last place for 8 years and are only moving now because that house is for sale.  Can I pick the one with the best rental resume?

[John Wright]

Thanks Deanna.  If it helps the thread, I am particularly interested in Massachusetts regulations.  I have looked at the laws but, as you might imagine, there is not a clear black and white statement on this.  Rather more along the lines of "you must be fair and you cannot discriminate."  I'm fine with that but within those bounds, I would like to select the most personable, financially stable, and longest-term tenant interested in my property.