Sounds like the landlord is a good, patient one. Anything you can do for him, help with chores, run errands/shop, that sort of thing? Can you have someone at the council call him and reassure him that eventually he'll get paid? I'd camp out at the council, make them make sure you've submitted all the papers they want. When you finally get a place (soon I hope!) remember to get a little present for the landlord, for his being so patient so maybe he'll keep doing it for others after you.