Choosing between tenant applicants

[Alex R.]

I've received two applications for my two bed rental condo. The first application was from a nice couple with a one-year-old child. They make a little over 3x rent, have a small dog, and had positive reviews from prior landlords. The second application came from another very nice couple who are in the U.S. as legal residents from Europe (they have Visas until 2020). Their income is much higher (10x rent), they have a large dog and a cat, and no children. Their lease would not start until mid month leaving me with a two week vacancy. They were also incredibly quick and responsive in the application process, showing immense interest in the unit. Both couples seem like they would be great tenants and had "accept" recommendations from Trans Union Smart Move. 

Any thoughts? Because the second couple has much higher income I'm drawn towards them, but I'm not sure if this makes up for the two week vacancy.

[Milton Rivera]

Have you created a system to evaluate tenants (think of a scorecard)?  Think a list of qualifications that applies a weight to each trait:

Credit Score - X

Pets - X

Income - X

Previous recommendations - X

Length of proposed lease - X

Deposits - X

Transunion gives you a go- no go decision but the above may help you grade the quality of each potential tenant while being objective.