Private renting!In a awkward situation?

Sorry if this is a bit long but anyway I've found a flat I'm planning to rent,it's a private landlord but works for the company that owns them.Anyway he's asked to be paid directly to him/company as he's had problems in the past,but it seams I'm getting ped backwards and forwards with the council paying housing benefit(I'm on jsa and 24 weeks pregnant)So no insults as I seriously don't car)Anyway their telling me I have to get ALL their details and p it on to them in writing and that they DON'T phone the landlord,but how else would they be ale to make payment if they don't have their bank details?I'm getting worried incase they don't pay on time even though its monthly rent!A friend lives in the same block of flats and the council phoned the same landlord to get their details,I've not got much sense to any of this as this is the first time I'll be renting.How long after I show them the tenancy agreement will they know whats to be paid?And it's getting onto April(Busiest time for them)so do you think they'll be behind processing or or paying the rent??I'm in the UK,Derbyshire.If anyone has had any of this through council and private renting could give me any advice would be great