How to make a lease palatable to the Landlord.

[Russell John Walsh]

I have had at least one rental since the 90's and always refused leases in favor of month to month because as it often stated 'leases don't help landlords". Always first month plus deposit equal to one month rent. I have never been burned on money or excessive destruction(knock on wood). 

Lately though some applicants are pretty concerned about being asked to leave after they barely get settled down. Some of them look better than average. Question: Would going to first and last months rent plus deposit equal to a month"s rent make up for downsides of a six month or year lease instead of month to month ?