Too many good choices... Denying rental applications

[Hank Marsh]

We have a nice single family home in central Texas. This is our first investment property and we have come across a difficult situation. We have two applicants within 12 hours of each other:

Applicant one: application meets all requirements (credit check, background, income, good reference, etc.). Wants to move in July first.

Applicant two: applicant meets all requirements (credit check, background, income, good reference, etc.). Wants to move in ASAP and is willing to pay a pro-rated June’s rent and July.

Both are great prospective tenants but we do not fully understand the legality of the denial process; since applicant number one technically applied first. We want to abide by the fair housing act and do not want to discriminate in any way. We would prefer to go with tenant number two because of the payment and timeline. If anyone has any advice and help on the matter we would be very grateful.