Tenant selection process

[Jason R.]

I have three potential tenants scheduled for showings in the next couple days. We are renting our MIL studio. The rental is in high demand and I am wondering how I can choose if all three tenants are interested.

-Should I run tenant screening on all of them? Then choose based on results? Will I need to explain to each why they were not chosen?

-The unit is on our primary residence and I would like to choose partly on my non-discriminatory gut feeling. From what I’ve read this doesn’t seem to be enough.

-Should I only run a screening on one at a time? Or am I pretty much required to except applications from them all.

I’ve just never had to deal with a situation where more than one party is interested. Just trying to get the best tenant and avoid a sticky situation.