I actually had one stutter and then tell me (it was a young couple) that his aunt didn't want them on her couch anymore LOL.See if they ask about laundry or about parking or look at how big the closets are - if they don't, they're desperate and are just looking for anyone who will take them.Nolo Press has a good book about screening tenants, too. 

You will hear a couple bicker, or you'll notice that they never asked normal questions about laundry or parking - a sign that they are desperate for any property or they don't expect to stay long enough for it to matter.You can chat them up and then quickly blurt out, "So why are you moving now?"  

With the new County Courthouse being built, what we are in need of desperately is parking garages!

I am missing the mentor I so desperately need.

Applicants who don't care about a place being a mess, are normally the desperate ones.  

Only the desperate, high-maintenance tenants will want it.

If you are only getting desperate-looking people who are trying their hard luck story at every advertised vacancy and the local market is not totally tanked,  you may be asking a bit too much.Good luck.

A desperate tenant will sign anything to get into your unit. 

If you come to the end of the month, don't get desperate and rent to just anyone.

Never be desperate for a tenant as it is better to wait a extra, 30, 60 and 90 days for the perfect fit.