What is a non-collection / rent-free week?
Annual rent costs may be split evenly over 48, 49, 50 or 52 weeks and this is dependent on what is agreed in your tenancy agreement. If the annual rent is the same for two or more homes but some pay over a different number of weeks, those who pay across less weeks in the year will have an increased weekly amount and those who have more weeks to pay or have no rent-free / non-collection weeks will pay less in weekly rent. The annual rent amount will always remain the same.
Below is a breakdown of how non-collection / rent-free weeks work depending on how many weeks your agreed to pay rent:
*Most years have 52 weeks however, some have 53. This will need to be calculated based on how many weeks there is in the current year.
You can check your tenancy agreement or contact us here by clicking here to find out. Generally, if you live in Salford and Fylde you will have four non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks. If you live in Knowsley, you will have three, and if you live in Oldham or Cheshire West & Chester you will have two. It’s important to note that this may not be the case for all homes in the same area so you must check your tenancy agreement to find out.
If you’re in arrears, you will not be eligible. This will support you to get back on track with your rent more quickly.
If you pay by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and you are eligible we will let both of them know how much your rent costs are, taking the non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks into account.
Yes, you will. If you pay by standing order, telephone, or any other method you can still pay during these rent-free weeks to stay ahead with your rent payments however, you can also choose not to pay.
If you pay your rent by direct debit, payments are still taken during non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks. This is because we calculate your total annual rent (including non-collection / rent-free weeks) and divide this by 12 months so that you make a regular monthly payment, and it is spread evenly across the year. For example:
From April 2024 – March 2025, there are the following non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks depending on the area you live.
If you live in Salford and Fylde, it will be week commencing:
- 23 December 2024
- 30 December 2024
- 24 March 2025
- 31 March 2025
If you live in Oldham, it will be week commencing:
- 23 December 2024
- 30 December 2024
If you live in Knowsley, it will be week commencing:
- 1 April 2024
- 23 December 2024
From April 2024 – March 2025, there are the following non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks depending on the area you live.
If you live in Salford and Fylde, it will be week commencing:
- 23 December 2024
- 30 December 2024
- 24 March 2025
- 31 March 2025
If you live in Oldham, it will be week commencing:
- 23 December 2024
- 30 December 2024
If you live in Knowsley, it will be week commencing:
- 1 April 2024
- 23 December 2024
If you live in Cheshire West & Chester, it will be week commencing:
- 1 April 2024
- 16 December 2024
- 1 April 2024
- 16 December 2024
We offer non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks so that tenants who are not in arrears have a week off paying their rent and those who are in arrears have a chance to catch up by continuing to pay their rent.
For most of our tenants in Salford rent is charged over 48 weeks, as this was included in the tenancy agreement in place when homes transferred to us from Salford Council. Homes in Knowsley that were transferred to us from Villages Housing Association (Homes had a different tenancy agreement offering 49 or 50 weeks. Whilst some tenants have more non-collection / ‘rent-free’ weeks more than others, the annual rent amount remains the same.
You can use one of the many ways to get in touch with us if you need further help and support. Click here to view the different ways you can contact us.
If you are struggling to pay your rent, we’re here to help, please get in touch with us.
If you would like to speak to one of the team, you can complete an online form by clicking here. We also have lots of information about money support online which you can view by clicking here. We can also help by providing free and impartial debt advice. To find out more visit our Money Advice Service page by clicking here.
