Is it permissible to disburse Zakat prior to its appointed time in Ramadan, specifically for the purpose of covering the rents of extremely needy families after Ramadan, by deferring it until the month of Dhul-Hijjah or Muharram, knowing that the Zakat will be kept in a special envelope for them until the payment date?

It is not permissible to delay the distribution of Zakat (definition) beyond its due time, and what has been mentioned is not considered an excuse for delay. If the Zakat payer believes that the aforementioned families are more deserving of Zakat, it is permissible to pay their due rents before their payment deadline, especially if it is highly probable that they will remain in the same house. It is also permissible to advance some of next year's Zakat to pay the rents. It is permissible to pay the rent directly to the property owner because the tenant becomes indebted and in hardship.