Denying an Applicant-Texas

[Katherine Val Verde]

I had a married couple apply to rent my property. This is my first property to own and first applicant so I am new to this. I am planning on denying their application for many reasons. The husband's credit score is extremely low (barely 500) due to 14 student loans all of which he let get more than 30 days past due within the last year. The wife's credit score is barely decent (mid 600) due to excessive student loans and allowing 3 accounts to go to collections. They have no rental history (they live with his Dad) and no references listed on their application. Also, I found the husband on the registered sex offender list (name, birthdate, and current address all match the application) but on the application when it asked if he had ever been convicted of a felony he answered no....so he lied on the application. (I am still waiting on the results of the background check but my own public search found him on the registry.) So my question is...what is the easiest way to deny them? Can I just send them an email stating they did not meet the minimum qualifications for approval? I want to make sure I do this legally.

Thank you!