If he doesn't meet our criteria to rent, or I choose a better applicant, then I would have to tell him he didn't make the cut and the reason why I was denying his application.

Be careful if you denied to base on the info does not match the credit report because credit reports have a lot of errors in them.Joe Gore

What's the proper way to deny a maintenance request?

@Thomas Robb     I think some of the things you are looking for have already been drafted up for you, but I'll make a list of some that come to mind in order.Before you start showing, make yourself a one page 'Tenant/Applicant Acceptance Standards' list and type out your acceptance brackets i.e. income 2-3x's rent, minimum credit score 450, etc.... etc... and absolute denial (i.e. no previous or current sex offenders, etc.) and get it notarized at your local credit union (or you lawyer) make sure you consult fair housing standard and then have it dated and then make sure you apply those standards to all applicants - Important if for example, anyone tries to later accuse you of discrimination for denying them for having a low credit score or getting denied because they were a felon previously (just an example) , you can then clearly show that your standards where well established long before they ever came into the picture as the notary shows - won't protect you for all, but better than nothing.

If it's unpaid utilities/cell phone bills then I would probably deny them based on credit, but if it's hospital bills, I might be a little more lenient, as long as everything else checks out OK.  

My home is paid off and was appraised by Discover Bank at $180,000 when I applied for a home equity loan, which was denied, the person I talked to said my income (not sure what they meant) really should be at least $30K to get approved for anything.

Erika, you will want to reach out to your insurance agent and change your policy from an "Owner Occupied" policy to a "Non Owner occupied" policy.Your Homeowners policy can deny claims if you represent it as your primary residence, but are actually renting it out.Cost should not be much different.

If property is worth $400,000 and loan balance is only $125,000, they will deny any request to short sale the property at 31% of market value.

I will continue to buy larger units but will not deny the idea of buying a nice 2BR if it makes sense. 

When she denies sneaking your vodka or indulging her midnight chocolate cravings, the first thing you're going to think about will be the lies she told to get into the room.