Hi richmond
It can be normal, when a new tenant moves into a property, the landlord will ask for rent in advance at sign up. Depending on your assessment period, when you sign for the property and notify UC straightaway, UC will contact your landlord to verify your rent and service charges, once verified you should get your Housing Element in your next assessment period.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems 
