(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this Part, in hardship cases, the commissioner may make advance payments in anticipation of a displaced person's actually moving or actually purchasing or renting and occupying decent, safe and sanitary replacement housing. The commissioner may authorize the advance payment of the amount determined to represent reasonable and necessary moving expenses or the amount of the approved replacement housing payment deemed necessary to purchase or rent decent, safe and sanitary replacement housing. In the case of a replacement housing payment, payment shall be made only 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 shall be inspected prior to payment for a determination that it is decent, safe and sanitary.

(b) When the commissioner determines that an unusual or hardship situation exists and it is determined to be in the public interest to do so, the commissioner may authorize relocation payments even though the strict requirements of eligibility and reimbursement specified in this Part are not met.