You can request the landlord put the tenants on your own written lease as a contingent of your offer, but UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should this be a year long lease.

Without knowing additional information, it is likely that the landlord could (and probably would) keep the security deposit of the non-paying tenant in the circumstance you're describing.

also keep in mind if this is C to D class I would say that 80%or better of your tenants are women.. then the men just follow along.. at least in my experience in the asset class.. kind like papa was a rolling stone..

So what circumstances should I consider when using the rule?

I have parents co sign in certain circumstances, but if they have stipends to pay for housing i use that for source of income.  

The host (or the hotel) should not be responsible for a guest's Extenuating Circumstances.

He may represent them, but I don’t have to be forced to their terms if I don’t get desperate in those circumstances.

I would say you have the right to bill him for all costs associated with the service call under the circumstances.

@Daniel Pierson that’s an entirely different circumstance.

My advice is as you have said, to pick a strategy based on your current circumstances and "just go for it".