2024-25 is a 53-week rent year. We want to explain what this means for you.

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.

To calculate how much rent you should be paying every month, you need to multiply your weekly rent amount by 53 and then divide by 12.
For example, if your rent is £120 per week, you would use the following calculation: £120 multiplied by 53 divided by 12 = £530

If you get Universal Credit, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) calculate your monthly rent by multiplying your weekly rent by 52 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 £120 per week, your monthly payment will be £530 but the DWP will only pay you £520.00. You will be required to make up the difference.

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.

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

If you are facing financial difficulties, please contact your Tenancy Services Officer in the first instance. They can help, for example, make a payment plan with you, advise you on benefit entitlements, assist you with making a Discretionary Housing Payment application and if necessary, refer you for specialist debt advice.