Low Credit Scores - Higher Security Deposits?

[John Herte]

I have a minimum credit score requirement of 650 of all applicants, 2.5x monthly rent in documented income and positive background checks. If they don't have this score do any of you charge a higher Security Deposit (paid up rent)?  I did this for one of my tenants who was out of the country for years and had no credit history.  I charged 1st month rent, 1 month security and 3 additional months of security(paid up rent).  I tried this again and the prospective tenants declined.  

Also, do ask for additional documentation for your decision process?  In the last group of applicants I asked for bank statements and pay stubs.

Any thoughts are welcome.  Trying to figure out a process for our applicants.