Applicant requests not to have a background check

[Michael Paling]

I just listed my first unit for rent yesterday, so I'm new to processing applications. One applicant is an Army Recruiter and has requested not to complete a background check online and states he has "secret security clearance". Has anyone else encountered something similar? How would you respond to this? Everything else in the application looks good upon first glance, but I haven't had a chance to start verifying info yet. Would a response like "I understand and respect this, but to protect myself and my business, a background check is required" would be appropriate? 

[Bill B.]

Sorry, I have to treat everyone equally to avoid fair housing violations.