How to Choose Between Two Great Tenants (The Fair Way)
You have two fully qualified applicants for your property. How do you make the final choice legally and fairly?
It's a great problem to have: multiple applicants who exceed your criteria. However, picking between them requires an objective, legally sound process to avoid fair housing issues.
1. The First-Come, First-Served Policy
The safest legal framework is to process applications in the precise chronological order they were submitted. If the first applicant meets all your posted requirements, accept them.
2. Objective Tiering Systems
If your market requires a different approach, score candidates on a clear matrix (e.g., higher credit tiers, longer employment tenure). Choose the candidate who ranks highest objectively on the matrix.
3. Communicating the Decision
Notify the selected tenant immediately with a clear deadline to sign the lease and deposit funds. Send polite, compliant non-selection letters to the runner-up candidates once the lease is fully executed.