How to Handle Multiple Applications for One Unit

By PropsManager Team | Dec 17, 2025

How to Handle Multiple Applications for One Unit

1. First-Come, First-Served (Recommended)

Process applications in the order received. If Applicant #1 meets all your criteria (income, credit, references), approve them. Stop processing #2 and #3.

• Pros: Avoids discrimination claims.
• Cons: You might miss out on a "better" applicant who applied later.

2. Best Qualified

You collect all applications over a set period (e.g., 3 days) and pick the strongest one.

• Pros: You get the best tenant.
• Cons: High risk of Fair Housing complaints. If you reject a minority applicant for a non-minority applicant with slightly better credit, you must be able to prove it wasn't discriminatory.

3. Communication

Tell applicants upfront: "We have received multiple applications." If you reject them, send a polite "Adverse Action Notice" if it was based on credit, or simply state "Another applicant was selected."

Conclusion

Have written criteria (e.g., "Credit score 650+"). The first person to meet it gets the keys. This is the safest legal route.