Originally posted by Robert Leonard:
I tell tenants up front. "I rent on a competitive risk basis. I don't rent to the first person that gives me a good application, I rent to the tenant that is the best applicant at the end of my showing period." You are the landlord, it's your decision, based on your criteria. As long as you follow fair housing rules, and don't use race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap in your criteria, it is your decision. A person with an attitude problem is not a protected class.
What Brothers Rob and Tom have opined.
You are fortunate to have the good sense to have a 'gut check.'
Go with your gut, rather than the rose colored glasses that I have been burned with.
As far as denial, if you dig deep enough you will find something that you can hang your hat on. And as wiser people have opined, say nothing. Go with the most 'qualified' applicant.
'Qualified' now that is a smoke and mirrors tool in our landlord warchest
Tevis
