LHA Tenant's Deposits

Tenancy Deposits

I have had some bad experiences with LHA over the last couple of years (although I do have one stable benefit tenant) and find myself with a vacant property and arrears left behind by a LHA tenant who decided to spend the money and run. If I was to let again to a person receiving benefits could I get a deposit from the council - or would you advise me to either charge an administration fee (if so, what is the norm?_or have the council pay rent four/eight weeks in advance (as it is only after 8 weeks that they will then pay me direct)? Please help, as I want to get it right this time - after having around £3,000 owing from a couple of LHA disaster tenants.

Many thanks

Pete