Are landlords now asking benefit tenants for two months’ rent in advance before the ban?

Text: Hands exchanging British banknotes with house model and rent sign, symbolising rental payments.

by Readers Question

12:01 AM, 8th July 2025, 10 months ago 3

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Hi, in light of the impending Renters’ Rights Bill and the fact that all tenants will be expected to give two months’ notice, is anyone who is NOW taking benefit tenants on, especially, asking for two months’ rent in advance?

Given the Department of Work and Pensions pays a month in arrears as it is (and this will not change), doesn’t it make sense this side of the bill to request two months up front before the ban on rent in advance comes into effect?

It would be interesting to hear thoughts on what other Property118 landlords who are still taking benefit tenants are doing in this situation.

Thanks,

Reluctant landlord

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Tags: benefit tenants, landlord rent policies, rent arrears, rent in advance, Rent increase, renters rights bill

Comments

moneymanager

Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627

10:33 AM, 8th July 2025, About 10 months ago

I’ll always CONSIDER benefit recipients, ultra central prime flats have not yet proven to be financially viable for them.

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DPT

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1178

2:41 PM, 8th July 2025, About 10 months ago

How does taking 2 month in advance help? After taking it, a landlord cant accept any more rent until its used up and then youre back to same position you would have been in anyway. Any landlord that takes and holds onto rent in advance has likely taken an illegal deposit and would be subject to a penalty of up to 3 times its value.

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DAMIEN RAFFERTY

Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 193

9:14 AM, 13th July 2025, About 10 months ago

5 weeks Rent is max deposit for most Tenancies

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