PITA potential Tenant

[Sarah B.]

I've been screening tenants for several years but haven't had this come up before.  I received a lot of applications on a rental property I own/manage and the first in line was a man from out of state, relocating with his kids and grandkids.  They met the criteria so I sent them the lease to sign and asked for security deposit.  This is when he turned into a PITA.  He went through the lease with a fine tooth comb, asking for clarification on multiple issues.  Fine.  But when it came to the deposit, he began throwing a huge fit over Cozy.co.  (I do include in my listings that this is how rent is collected).  Doesn't want to link his bank account but doesn't want to pay fees for the debit card.  I told him sorry, that's how we collect it with all our properties, take it or leave it.  He said he'll deal with it but he's not happy.  Now that I'm seeing his true colors, I do not want him as a tenant.  But is there a legal way I can withdraw the offer since he hasn't technically disqualified?

[Scott M.]

Being a PITA is not a protected class so you can reject on that basis.  Clearly, you will not tell him you are rejecting him because he is a PITA but you can tell him that in the meantime other applications have come in and you can't wait on him any longer.  

Unfortunately, believing PITA is a protected class is the first requirement in being a PITA so they will continue to be a PITA.