Can you reject an applicant who is unemployed?

[Rick Stivers]

I have a single family rental, and I advertised it on Facebook. One potential renter is a highly educated social worker who was recently impacted by a COVID-19 related layoff. When she asked if unemployment was a valid form of income and would it count against her in the application process that she was unemployed, I stated that the letter she receives from the state can be used as a form of income validation. I also told her that she would require a co-signer because she is out of work, based on recommendations from fellow investors. Her response was that it was unacceptable and I was discriminating against her. I did my research and as far as I can tell, unemployed is not a protected class in Pennsylvania. Has anyone else run into this lately given all the COVID-19 layoffs? I'm guessing she is blowing smoke.  I do intend to run this by my legal council, but wanted to see what others had to say first.