The 53 week year: Your questions answered

Did you know there are usually 52 weeks in a financial year but this year there are 53?

 This means you'll need to pay for an extra week's rent this year.  You'll still get your two rent-free weeks but your payments over the year will need to cover the extra week.  

How will this impact me?

Depending on how you pay your rent, it's important that you know what to do this year. This will make sure you avoid going into arrears and keep on top of your rent payments.

What if I pay by monthly 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 accordingly.

For example, if your rent is £120 per week and you pay monthly, your payments would be calculated like this:

• 53 weeks minus 2 rent free weeks = 51
• 51 x £120 divided by 12 months = £510 

 

What if I claim Universal Credit?

If you receive Universal Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions will not cover the extra week of rent. You'll need to pay it. We recommend that you pay a little extra each week so that you don't end up in rent arrears.  

If you have any questions or are unsure what to do, please get in touch with your Customer Account Manager.

What if I pay weekly?

There is no change. You will pay your new weekly rent from 1 April in advance every Monday. However, you should budget for the extra week.

 

What if I pay my rent every four weeks?

If you pay by direct debit every four weeks, then we will adjust the amount for you.

However, if you pay another way every four weeks, you will need to use the following calculation to know your new rent amount for 2024 – 2025:

• multiply weekly rent by 51, then divide by 13.

 

Will I still get two rent-free weeks?

Yes. Your rent-free weeks will still apply (if you're not in arrears). The week of 1st April 2024 and 16th December 2024 will be rent-free weeks

 

Why is there a change this year?

There are 52 weeks in a normal year. However, every five to six years, there are 53 Mondays in a year instead.

2024/25 is one of those years.

How do I know what my weekly rent is?

We wrote to you in January to let you know what your new rent and service charges would be from 1st April 2024. We sent this information in the post or via email, depending on your preference. If you’re unsure about anything, please contact us.

What if I’m worried about being able to pay my rent?

Please let us know if you’re struggling. We are here to help. Everyone is different, so we’ll find a solution that works for you. Our specially trained colleagues can help find out what benefits, grants or funding you may be entitled to and help you apply.

We’ve also increased our Wellbeing Fund this year to support customers struggling to make rent payments. It’s always better to tell us than to worry alone.