Safe to pay rent in advance?

We've found a nice apartment to rent, but the corporate landlords have a strict rule that they do not rent to the self-employed (like me): they have seen too many such tenants just leave HK owing rent.



I jokingly said to the agent: "I'm happy to pay them the whole year's rent in advance, if they give me a 15% discount". He laughed, and we said goodbye.



A few hours later, the agent called to say he had spoken to the landlords and - if I was serious - they would accept that deal.



Now, I wonder if I should do it or not. The apartment is brand new and from a top developer, so I don't worry too much about maintenance. And I've run a check on the corporate landlords, and they're large and reputable.



But is there anything else I should worry about if I pay the whole year in advance?

To try to protect yourself perhaps it may help if you put down in the tenancy agreement that should the leased property be sold or there be any ownership changes during the rent period, the landlord should keep the tenant informed well before-hand of the change of ownership take place and the new landlord must endorse the remainder of the existing lease until its expiry or you'll have the option to mutually terminate the remaining lease and have the balance rent refunded.


Hope this helps.