denying qualified tenants because of better qualifying tenants

[Zac Boelkow]

If I have multiple qualified tenants that meet my minimum requirements and choose the one that best fits. When I write the other tenants a denial letter do I state that I had multiple applications and the property was rented to the highest qualifying tenant?

Also I have a application from someone who falls below my minimum credit score (because of a long story, ex-boyfriend, and a repossessed car) and has a huge income and is killing it at their job. I did verify through smart move the car is the only issue bringing the credit score down. Everything else on their credit report  is fine. This potential tenant has had the best communication with me and seems to align with exactly what I looking for. Is it an issue if I accept her over other qualified tenants who meet both income and credit score parameters? 

[Patricia Steiner]

It could be.  She doesn't meet the credit score parameter. (That's a period at the end of that sentence).  And regardless of the boyfriend "issue," she obviously had an obligation to repaid that loan and did not. I would recommend you not discount the credit score hit. You may wind-up not getting paid on your lease because of "someone else's fault" at some point.  If you were ever challenged and had to prove you chose the most qualified candidate based solely on criteria, you would have a legal issue.  Stick with the criteria.  Don't editorialize/rationalize criteria misses.  You have a lot of qualified tenants so choose one of those who used better judgement and paid their obligations. You're running a business.  You don't need to like your tenants; you need ones who pay on time and keep their commitments regardless of life accidents we all experience.