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.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand how the 53-week rent year and what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
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.
2
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.
3
What if I pay by monthly by standing order?
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 “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 12.
For example, if you have 4 ‘non charge weeks’ throughout the year and your new rent is £95 per week. You would use the following calculation: 53 – 4 = 49 weeks, then multiply 49 by £95 = £4,655, and then divide it by 12 monthly payments = £387.92 per month.
4
What if I receive Universal Credit?
The DWP do not recognise 53 weeks for Universal Credit payments. As it’s a 53-week year, your Universal Credit for the year will not cover the full amount of rent and you’ll need to pay the difference. You can do this by paying a little extra each week to ensure you don’t fall behind.
5
What if I pay weekly?
If you pay weekly, there will be an extra week of rent to pay.
6
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 4 ‘non charge weeks’ throughout the year and your new weekly rent is £100.
You would use the following calculation: 53 – 4 = 49 weeks, then multiply 49 by £100 = £4900, and then divide it by 13 payments = £376.92 every 4 weeks
