Published: 08 March 2024

We charge our rent every week on a Monday. For the new financial year from April 2024 to March 2025, there will be 53 Mondays. We want to let you know why this is, what it means for you, and what action you might need to take.

  • Why is there a change this year?

    We charge our rent based on the "financial year", which runs from the first Monday in April every year.

    There are 52 weeks in a normal year, which means we issue 52 weekly charges for rent. Every five to six years, because of how the calendar falls, there are 53 Mondays in a year instead of 52.

    2024-2025 is one of these years. This means 53 weeks rent are charged rather than the usual 52.

  • Will I still have the four "rent-free" weeks?

    You will still get your four rent free weeks - as long as you are up-to-date with your rent - but this year you will have one more weekly rent charge than normal.

  • How will I calculate my monthly payments?

    To calculate how much rent you should be paying every month, you need to multiply your weekly rent amount by 49 and then divide by 12.

    For example, if your rent is £90 per week, you would use the following calculation: £90 multiplied by 49 divided by 12 = £367.50

  • What if I claim Universal Credit?

    If you get Universal Credit, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) calculate your monthly rent by multiplying your weekly rent by 48 and then dividing it by 12.

    You will need to make up the difference between the monthly amount owed and the amount the DWP pays you.

    For example, if your rent is £90 per week, your monthly payment will be £367.50 but the DWP will only pay you £360.00. You will be required to make up the difference.

  • What if my rent is paid directly by Universal Credit?

    Universal Credit will only pay for 48 weeks so you will need to pay the difference between what your monthly rent is and what the DWP pay us.

    For example, if your rent is £90 per week, your monthly payment will be £367.50. The DWP will only pay us £360.00, and you will be required to make up the difference.

  • What if I pay monthly by Direct Debit?

    If you pay by Direct Debit you don’t need to do anything, we will do this calculation for you and automatically adjust your payments. If you pay by any other method, you will need to adjust your payments.

  • What If I pay weekly?

    There is no change, your new weekly rent will be due in advance every Monday from 1st April 2024. You can continue to pay as normal.

  • What if I claim housing benefit?

    If you get housing benefit, you don’t need to do anything as this will be covered by the housing benefit payment cycles.

    You will need to ensure you are also covering your water charges as required.

  • What do I do if I am struggling to pay my rent?

    Our Money Matters Team is here to help. Click here to find out more about how they can support you.