As you walk prospects through your unit, you can get a lot of information from them that is not legally prohibited. You can find out what they're looking for in an apartment and ask them other things pertaining to their jobs, pets, and rental history.

After they've left, summarize their visit on the back of their rental application. Note all pertinent information, including things you discussed and any additional comments they made, and be sure to write down the date and time they came through.

Questions you can legitimately ask, without worrying about discrimination complaints, are:

• What are you looking for in an apartment?

• When do you need it?

• How many people will live there?

• What special features would you like?

• Why do you want to move?

• Is there anything wrong with your current apartment?

• What do you do for a living?

• Do you have a pet? What kind?

• Are you of legal age to sign a lease?

Anyone who's old enough — eighteen and above — to sign a lease must be considered as a potential tenant. It's the only way to avoid age-based discrimination complaints. If you later decide to reject their application, base your decision on financial, credit, or other verifiable legal reasons. (Prospects younger than 18 can also be considered if they have an adult cosign the lease. The decision on whether to rent to them is yours.)