I am well aware my biggest mistake was getting my masters in English Comp.

Not reading a contract is no defense about the contents of the contract.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Estrange_v_F_Gra...This is the basis in English Law, also used in the US, that signing something makes you party to the contract.

Landlord denies application by saying one of the two adult applicants doesn't speak English well enough to enter into a legal contract.  

And to your follow-up point, English with accent is still English - while it may be a bit difficult to understand, it's never impossible as in the case of non-English speaker.So - is inability to communicate in English a protected class?  

As of a few months ago.In plain English, that means if no one is looking to pull equity out or net any cash proceeds, you can in theory rate/term refinance someone else's mortgage to be in your name and (optional) have them quitclaim at the closing table.Oh, look at that, we just purchased "obtained" a house with refinance-sized closing costs instead of purchase-sized, 0% down, and a sexy 30 year fixed fannie mae interest rate. 

If you decide to teach English up in Chiang Mai the IRS will require you to declare and pay tax on that income.  

., and someone other than the tenant, or rather applicant, was doing all the talking, I denied them (unless they just didn't speak English).  

The manager doesn't speak English very well so talking to him is futile.

I simply respond in proper English with a professional tone. 

They want to rent it.They speak very little English, but have a friend that can translate.