Fixed term joint tenants separate mid tenancy

General Discussion

Our (reasonably long term) joint tenants have recently decided to split mid 12-month fixed term tenancy. The remaining tenant is a single mother who can't afford the rent without support and the partner, who is technically jointly and severely liable, may not be easily reachable and doesn't want to keep paying their share. The agent is suggesting we should change tenancy to just the name of the remaining tenant to allow them to get DWP housing benefit. I am concerned about signing a revised agreement, knowing that the tenant can't afford it without housing benefit, in the hope they get the benefit and can then pay. Any views and/or suggestions? There is the separate issue that our lender may not be happy with us letting to someone who can't afford it and is reliant on getting benefits to be able to afford it.