If you have a weekly tenancy, your rent is charged every Monday in line with your tenancy agreement. Rent increases take effect on the first Monday in April.
Most rent years run for 52 weeks however every so often (usually every six or seven years) the rent year runs for 53 weeks. 53-week rent years took place in 2007/08, 2013/14 and 2019/20.
This rent year started on Monday 1 April 2024 and will run for 53 weeks, with the last weeks rent being charged on Monday 31 March 2025 and concluding on Sunday 6 April 2025.
If you pay your rent monthly you can work out how much you need to pay this year by multiplying your weekly rent by 53 and then dividing that number by 12, e.g. £100x53 = £5300, £5300/12 = £441.67.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said they won’t pay any extra Universal Credit (UC) to cover the 53 week. So if you claim UC you will need to pay a little extra every week to ensure your rent is covered and you don’t fall into arrears.
If you pay by Direct Debit we have already made these changes for you.
This happens every six or seven years because there are 365 days in a year or 366 in a leap year, which breaks down to 52 weeks plus 1 day in a regular year, or 52 weeks plus 2 days in a leap year. These extra days build up to add an extra week every couple of years.
52 weeks x 7 days = 364 days (one day fewer than a full year or two days fewer than a leap year)
If you receive Universal Credit the Department for Work and Pensions will NOT pay extra to cover the 53rd week of rent. You will need to pay it.
If you pay monthly you can work out how much you need to pay by multiplying your weekly rent by 53 and then dividing that number by 12 to make sure you are paying all you need. – If you pay by Direct Debit we have already calculated this for you.
What can I do if I am not happy about Universal Credit not paying the 53rd Week?
Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. As the tenant you will still be responsible for paying the 53rd week of rent that Universal Credit don’t cover.
If you have any further queries you can contact the Customer Accounts Team on this number.
