Qualifying tennants. Can I just say no?

[Fred Krueger]

Newbie question. When prequalifying possible tennants I am running into some seriously crazy people. I've been able to disqualify all of them due to income amount, credit score, etc... However, I'm wondering if I can disqualify someone based on gut feeling? If they meet the standards we've set but are just obviously not a good fit, can I just say no? How do you tell them that? What if that person is a protected class? Will they claim discrimination? Any help is much appreciated!

[Marcia Maynard]

• Begin with carefully considered rental criteria, compliant with non-discrimination laws.
• Interview with questions that dove-tail with your rental criteria.
• If something comes up during the interview that reveals the person doesn't meet your minimum criteria to rent, let them know, so they don't waste any more of their time and yours.
• Ask meaningful questions that will identify those who will be a good match for you and your property.
• Tenant selection is all about screening well.  We do discriminate, but in a fair manner.
• We avoid saying "no", but we do say things like.... "That would be difficult for us." and "It appears you don't meet our requirements as per our rental criteria."
• If a person is "obviously not a good fit", but meet your minimum criteria to rent, you need to lawfully support your decision not to rent to them. 
• We all have our limits... I don't rent to people who have more tatoos than teeth. Not a protected class. :-)