Notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein, the commissioner is authorized in hardship cases to make advance payments in anticipation of the eligible person actually completing his moving of personal property or actually purchasing or renting and occupying decent, safe and sanitary replacement housing. The commissioner may authorize the advance payment of the amount determined by him to represent reasonable and necessary moving expenses or the amount of the approved supplemental relocation payment deemed necessary to purchase or rent, decent, safe and sanitary replacement housing. In the case of a supplemental relocation payment, payment can only be made if there is a signed contract for the purchase of a replacement property, or in the case of a replacement rental unit, if there is a signed lease or some other firm commitment. In both instances, the proposed replacement housing must be inspected prior to payment for a determination of compliance with decent, safe and sanitary standards.