Proper process for accepting tenant applications

[Mandy S.]

Hi all.  Newbie question that I couldn't find an answer to (though I'm sure its on here somewhere!)  We had about 8 showings to prospective renters today for a small house.  Several expressed interest and asked for a link to the $45 non-refundable application handled by our management company.  How have you all handled this process?  Do we just give the link to everyone and allow them all to apply?  Or do we go in order of interest?  For example we have what appear to be three good applicants that expressed interest and requested the application link.  We also had several people that may struggle to meet the requirements and also seemed like they could be more difficult tenants.  What's the best/ most ethical way to approach this?  I'd rather not have three different households all fill out the application and pay the fee if we can only have one of them in the house.  Do we let people know they are first/second/third in line?  Are there legal requirements here as well?  If someone gets their application in first are they automatically legally allowed to sign the lease (even if there are other red flags from our in person meeting?)

Thanks for any tips you all might have!