How long should I accept applications before approving someone?

[Byron W.]

I'm wondering how long I should leave my ad open and accepting applications before I make a final decision? If the first applicant for example, meets all of the criteria but I want to continue collecting applications and weigh the best ones after say... A few weeks of accepting applications, is this ok/legal?

[Craig Sloan]

@Byron W. you're losing money each day you don't have the unit rented.  If the first prospective tenant that comes along meets your criteria, rent him/her the unit and cancel your ad.