The 53-week year

Every few years there is an extra Monday in the year, and 2024 is one of these years. If your rent is calculated weekly, you may be impacted because there is an additional week of rent to cover. 

Whether you pay us weekly or monthly, you may be required to cover the cost of an additional rent payment.   

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.

What if I pay monthly by standing order?

If you pay monthly, then you need to make an adjustment to your monthly payments yourself. To calculate how much rent you should be paying each month, multiply your weekly rent amount by 53 and then divide it by 12.  

For example, if your rent was £80 per week you would use the following calculation: £80 x 53 ÷ 12 = £353.33 

Once you have calculated your monthly payment, you need to contact your bank to update your standing order. 

What if I pay by a monthly card payment?

If you pay by a monthly card payment, then you need to make an adjustment to your monthly payments yourself. To calculate how much rent you should be paying each month, multiply your weekly rent amount by 53 and then divide it by 12.  

For example, if your rent was £80 per week you would use the following calculation: £80 x 53 ÷ 12 = £353.33  

I pay monthly - my rent has gone down, but my payments have increased. Why?

You’ll have noticed a slight increase in the amount you pay because there are 53 rent charging weeks in 2024/25 instead of the usual 52. 

What happens if I have rent-free weeks?

If you have rent-free weeks, these will still apply. With the additional week in the year, there will be 49 weeks of rent charged during the year, instead of 48. 

What if I receive Universal Credit?

If you receive Universal Credit, you will continue to receive 52 payments, because the government does not change the way it pays Universal Credit in a 53-week year.  

This means you will need to cover an additional week of rent. 

We understand that you may be concerned about what this means for you. Our expert Income Team can provide help and support to prevent you from falling into arrears. Call 0344 736 0066 or email info@regenda.org.uk to find out how they can help you.

What if I receive Housing Benefit?

If you receive Housing Benefit you will not be impacted by the 53-week year, as this will be covered. 

How do I know what my weekly rent is?

We will write to you from mid-February with the detail of your new rent and service charges for the next financial year, starting from 1 April 2024. If you haven’t received this, or you’re unsure about anything, please contact us: call 0344 736 0066 or email info@regenda.org.uk 

What if I pay weekly?

If you pay weekly, there will be no change. You will pay your new weekly rent from 1 April in advance every Monday. 

What if I don't know what to do?

No problem, if you’re not sure what to do, please get in touch with our dedicated, expert Income Team who can chat it through with you.

 

Call 0344 736 0066 or email info@regenda.org.uk to find out how they can help you. 

You can download a copy of these questions and answers:

Regenda Homes 53 week year - FAQs