Yes, but the most they can ask for is two weeks rent in advance. However they are also entitled to ask for up to four weeks rent for the bond money (see above) so you might have to find the equivalent of 6 weeks rent before you can move in. This is the most the landlord is allowed to ask for under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. If you cannot afford to pay so much in advance, you can try and get the landlord to accept a smaller bond or less rent in advance, it would be good if you could get this agreement in writing.