We got hit so bad in the last recession that we are just waiting for the bottom to drop out every time there is a hint of something unstable? 

But that's highly dependent on your locality and you should consult with an attorney.Regarding how much extra security deposit you can ask for legally, that's definitely a question for your attorney and will probably depend on local laws.The fundamental problem here seems to be the income pool of the market you're in -- if people can't afford the rent, then you're either priced above the market, or you have a market that is very unstable due to the prevailing employment conditions of the people living there.

If you have some really great reason,  like, say you work overseas,  get free housing, and want to invest in a house that you rent out until you finish up overseas or work in an unstable location and need a place to go if the SHTF, then this makes sense. 

They cited unstable building financials and high renters %.

You can add criteria such as home value, equity, home size to focus in on properties you would be interested in buying.The Financial Stability Indicator (FSI) can help identify people who are likely to be financially unstable.

I am not saying it is right or wrong, but it does help the rich get richer and the poor get stuck renting.Joe good discussion.the issue I see is in many of the CASH flow markets half the population will never buy a home no matter what and for these reasons.1. their credit will never allow it.2. unstable 3. they think its a liablity4. 

Banks decline people who have erratic income, huge swings that indicate their business is unstable.

Be very detailed.There's nothing more unstable than a partnership made between best friends. 

An unstable floor will. 

The other applicant (He) has unstable low income (x1.3 rent) with about $300,000 student loan ($2600 obligation per month).