Probably lost a few applicants by demanding the higher security deposit, but it works for us. 

MANY MANY scams going on to collect application fees doing exactly that.

I have placed my home for rent and have received an email from someone who wants to place an application for my rental but noticed I have a no pets policy.

Denying application because of pet is not about discrimination (man they abused this word so much), it's about who pays for the cleanup cost.

If you have other applicants, you can choose someone else, but you can't reject an applicant because of the service animal(s), as that would be discriminatory and against the Fair Housing Act and other laws.

I like the fact that the majority of my work generally comes during the leasing period when I show the units and screen applicants.

It looks convenient where I can fill out form online to complete the application. 

Let’s look at the impact those last two have had on the time it takes to deliver a new home (or apartment building).Stages in New Home ConstructionApplication for Construction PermitPermit Approval (2–12 months after application depending on where/what you want to build)Start (2.8 months after approval for MF, 1.3 months after approval for SFH)Under ConstructionCompletion (17 months after start for MF, 8.3 months after start for SFH)What does this mean?

So would this give you pause vis a vis the Dodd-Frank Act?

Especially if the applicant has a fairly common name.