Rents fall 12% across England as voids lengthen – Goodlord
6 months ago | 2 comments
Rent in advance and last month’s rent?
12:01 AM, 14th November 2025, 5 months ago
4
Categories:
Hello. I’ve got a potential tenant that is claiming UC. His BAP period is 17 – 16th of the month.
Normally for tenancies I ask for the first month’s rent in advance and the 5 week equivalent deposit and the tenant pays this themselves (as they are working).
In this case the council will be paying this. A mate also said I should ask the council for the last month’s rent in advance too, as benefit tenants rarely leave on the exact date that aligns with BAP and the last UC payment.
He explains that if they leave at anytime within the BAP date then you don’t get the rent for the last month because its paid a month in arrears and when they tell UC of the address change, and they pay the next landlord instead. Is this right?
It has totally confused me. Can anyone explain this further please in layman’s terms?
And also how would I get this written into the AST so that the payment for the last month that will be held, is not seen as part of the 5 week deposit nor a separate payment other than rent, which is against the tenant fee ban?
Cheers for any help.
Mark
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Related Articles
Two incomes no longer enough as first-time buyers hit affordability wall
6 months ago | 5 comments
Rent growth slows as house prices continue to rise
6 months ago
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1446 - Articles: 1
10:09 AM, 14th November 2025, About 5 months ago
They pay 4 weeks in arrears not 1 month.
You won’t get a Local Authority to pay the last “month” up front.
Is the LA paying the deposit or is it a Bond under a scheme. IF a Bond then they will hold it and any damage AFTER the tenant moves out will only be forthcoming On you producing the receipt for items/or tradesman. You therefore don’t need to put in a deposit protection scheme.
If the tenant is paying the deposit then you do.
LA do not usually pay anything up front I’ve found. But take up to 8-10 weeks to sort payment and then back date to commencement of the tenancy.
Speak to the LA benefits dept to ask how they work PRS and UC. AND you want rental payment direct to you. Just tell them that you are concerned with the tenant being able to budget
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 226
11:23 AM, 14th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Be prepared to learn from your bad experiences, that is why many landlords stay clear of this sector of the market. It requires specialist skills to deal with the issues the tenants create and to meet their extra needs. You will become an inexperienced social worker fighting the system that claims to be wholly tenant originated but is in fact hostile to their best interests.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 199
11:33 AM, 14th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by at 14/11/2025 – 11:23
Yes, I gave up anything to do with LA tenants years ago, and I’ve been a happy LL ever since
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 226
2:05 PM, 14th November 2025, About 5 months ago
My approach would be to stay away from the homeless tenant without a job and no deposit. They have the greatness need for support but I am not skilled enough to handle the issues they come with. Those who might have the skills in the local Social Services Department of your local council will be happy to promise you the world but avoid you when you need help. They have “solved” their problem by dumping the tenant on you and once accommodated the tenant can resolve his own problems in their eyes.