53 week year and how your rent is calculated

This rent year has 53 weeks instead of 52, you will still receive your two rent free weeks (if you are not in arrears) however, in order to keep in line with the calendar year. From Monday 1 April 2024, the date your new rent starts from, you will need to pay for 51 Mondays rather than 50.

I am on Housing Benefit, does the 53 rent weeks make a difference?

No, as you are on Housing Benefit, they work out your entitlement weekly and pay your award weekly for the weeks that you are charged, you will need to ensure that if you are not entitled to full Housing Benefit, that you pay your shortfall using the same method we have shown you above.

I am on Universal Credit, does the 53 rent weeks make a difference?

Yes, Universal Credit is calculated over a monthly period and in any financial year, will base their calculation on a maximum of 52 weeks, as there are 53 weeks in this financial year, there is one week you will need to make a payment for that is not covered by Universal Credit in the financial year. Please note that this is in addition to any shortfall you have in your award. If you are concerned about your rent account or the extra week’s payment, please contact us today. Our friendly income team are on hand to help and support you.

How do I calculate my rent over 53 weeks for 2024?

This financial year is a 53-week rent year instead of 52, this is due to there being 53 Mondays during this financial year. As your rent is charged every Monday, there are 53 this year.

Will I still have my two rent free weeks?

Yes, you will still have your 2 rent free weeks, this means that as long as you are not in arrears, you will pay your rent over 51 weeks, rather than 50. Please note that if you are in arrears, you should continue to make your payments during the rent free weeks to reduce your arrears debt.

Why is there a change this year?

There are 52 weeks in a standard year, meaning 52 weekly charges. Every five to six years there are 53 Mondays in a year. In 2024/2025, there is 53 Mondays in the year.

What if I pay monthly by direct debit?

If you pay by Direct Debit you don’t need to do anything, we will automatically change your payments to your account for the 53-week rent year.

What if I pay by monthly by standing order or through another method?

If you pay by standing order, then you need to make an adjustment to your monthly payments.

To calculate how much rent you should be paying each month, you need to know how many “rent free” weeks you have in your tenancy agreement. Minus this number from 53 to give you the number of weeks rent you’ll need to pay over the year.

Multiply your new weekly rent amount by the number of weeks you need to pay and then divide it by 12.

For example, if you have 2 ‘rent free weeks’ throughout the year and your new rent is £105.00 per week. You would use the following calculation: 53 – 2 = 51 weeks, then multiply 51 by £105.00 = £5,355, and then divide it by 12 monthly payments = £446.25 per month.

What if I pay weekly?

If you pay weekly, there will be an extra week of rent to pay.

I pay my rent every four weeks, not weekly, what do I need to?

If you pay your rent every four weeks, you need to know how many “non charge” weeks you have in your tenancy agreement. Minus this number from 53 to give you the number of weeks rent you’ll need to pay over the year.

Multiply your new weekly rent amount by the number of weeks you need to pay and then divide it by 13.

For example, if you have 2 ‘non charge weeks’ throughout the year and your new weekly rent is £105.00