The 53-week year

Some years have an extra Monday, and 2024 is one of them. If your rent is worked out weekly, this could affect you because there is one more week to pay for.

Whether you pay rent weekly or monthly, you might need to cover the cost of this extra week.

What if I pay by monthly Direct Debit?

If you pay by Direct Debit, you do not need to do anything. We will work out the extra week for you and adjust your payments automatically.

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 card each month, you will need to update your payment amount yourself.

To work out your monthly rent for a 53-week year:

  1. Multiply your weekly rent by 53
  2. Divide the result by 12

Example:
If your weekly rent is £80:
£80 × 53 ÷ 12 = £353.33 per month

Once you have worked out the new amount, make sure to update your payment when you next pay by card.

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

You might have noticed that your monthly payments have gone up, even though your rent has gone down. This is because there are  53 rent charging weeks  in the 2024 to 2025 year instead of the usual 52.

This extra week means your total rent for the year is slightly higher, which affects your monthly payments.

What happens if I have rent-free weeks?

If you have rent-free weeks, they will still apply as usual.

Because there is an extra week in the year, rent will be charged for 49 weeks instead of 48.

What if I receive Universal Credit?

If you get Universal Credit, you will still receive  52 payments  during the year. The Government does not change how Universal Credit is paid in a 53-week year.

This means you will need to cover the cost of  one extra week of rent.

We understand this might be worrying. Our Income Team is here to help. They can give advice and support to stop you falling behind on your rent.

Call  0344 736 0066  or email info@regenda.org.uk to speak to the team.

What if I receive Housing Benefit?

If you get Housing Benefit, you will not be affected by the extra week in the year. The cost of the 53rd week will be covered.

How do I know what my weekly rent is?

We will send you a letter from mid-February with details about your new rent and service charges for the financial year starting on 1 April 2024.

If you have not received this letter or you are unsure about anything, please contact us:

What if I pay weekly?

If you pay your rent weekly, there will be no change. You will start paying your new weekly rent from Monday 1 April, as usual, and continue to pay in advance every Monday.

What if I don't know what to do?

No problem. If you're unsure, our expert Income Team is here to help. They can talk things through with you and give advice based on your situation.

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