Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of housing associations which request upfront payment of rent in advance before an offered tenancy can be secured.

The Department does not hold this data. We understand that many landlords ask for rent in advance and it is part of the agreement between individual tenant and landlord. As responsible companies with a social purpose we expect housing associations to let their homes in a fair, transparent and efficient way that takes into account the housing needs of tenants and potential tenants.