Application Screening Requirements and Methods

[James Purcell]

Hello, I'm relatively new to BiggerPockets, and have read the book on property management by Brandon Turner. To add on to this discussion - when I was listening to the screening section of the aforementioned book this morning (for probably the fourth time), I noticed Brandon mentioned 'minimum screening standards' vs. 'minimum qualification standards' when speaking with PTs (potential tenants). If you find out a PT doesn't meet your 'minimum screening standards', and you don't want to show them the property, is that lawful as long as you allow them to fill out an application if they wish. I'm finding that, as Brandon mentioned in the book, most PTs won't pursue any further once you give them the minimum requirements, but then some do. Thoughts? I am just trying to save time where possible.

Also, just to make sure I have this right (and I have spoken with my attorney about this as well)  - I'm pretty much stuck with my application requirements once I start screening people, correct?  E.g. if I decide to change our policy/application to make pets negotiable after already having screened tenants, I would be putting myself at legal risk, correct?

Any help would be much appreciated!