Can I select tenants based on length of lease?

[Ben B]

First time landlord here. I've been reading about all the Fair Housing Act nuances, and it's got me worried about accidentally discriminating against a potential tenant. I've heard that you're supposed to have a set of written screening criteria, and then lease it to the first applicant that meets your guidelines.

So my question is, let's say I have 2 applicants that are acceptable. The one who submitted his applicant first can only do a 12 month lease, but the second applicant is willing to do an 18 or 24 month lease. Can I decline the first applicant, and go with the second, based on length of lease? Or am I required to lease with the first applicant since he meets my guidelines?

[George P.]

yes. at least i do that all the time. i dont care what they are like. i am making more money if they stay longer. end of story.

keep all your records, notes, that will help if anything happens.