The 53-week rent year – what it means for you

For most residents, rent is charged every week on a Monday. From April 2024 to March 2025, there are 53 Mondays for this financial year.

We want to let you know why this is, what it means for you, and what action you might need to take.

Why is this happening?

This happens every five or six years because there are 365 days in a year or 366 in a leap year.

That breaks down to 52 weeks plus one day in a year or 52 weeks plus two days in a leap year.

These extra days build up to an additional week to the year every five or six years.

This means for residents in the North West of England who have four 'rent-free weeks', there will be 49 weeks instead of the usual 48.

Here, we explain how this could impact you depending on your circumstances:

Who does it affect?

This will impact any resident on a weekly tenancy agreement or licence.

Residents on a weekly tenancy or licence will need to pay to allow for an extra week's rent charge on 31 March 2025.

If you receive Universal Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions will not cover the extra week of rent – you will need to pay it.

What do I need to do if I'm on Housing Benefit?

This will not impact you as Housing Benefit will pay for every week that is charged.

What do I need to do if I'm on Universal Credit?

The Department for Work and Pensions only pays up to 52 weeks of rent per year and works out the weekly rent for those on Universal Credit (UC) by taking the total yearly amount and dividing it by 52 weeks.

Unfortunately, they've confirmed they won’t pay for the 53rd week. This means you will need to pay for the additional week yourself.

This is also the case if your rent is paid by UC directly to your account. 

If you’re unsure what to do, contact our customer service centre or email us so we can help you with the options.

What do I need to do if I pay by Direct Debit?

If you pay monthly by Direct Debit, we'll amend your remaining payments and contact you with the details.

What do I need to do if I pay my weekly rent by standing order or another monthly payment method?

If you pay your rent monthly by standing order or another payment method, you'll need to change the amount you pay yourself. Multiply your weekly rent by 53 and divide it by 12.

For example, if your rent is £200 per week you would use the following calculation: £200 multiplied by 53, then divided by 12 = £883.33 per month.

What do I need to do if I pay every four weeks?

To ensure you pay the correct amount every four weeks, you can multiply your weekly rent charge by four.

What do I need to do if I pay every two weeks?

To ensure you pay the correct amount every two weeks, you can multiply your weekly rent charge by two.

What do I need to do if I pay weekly?

If you pay your rent weekly, there will be an extra week of rent to pay.

I’m still unsure what I need to do

We’re here to support you. If you’re experiencing difficulties paying your rent or any other circumstances are making this difficult, contact our customer service centre or email us.

If you’re struggling with finances, contact our free Pound Advice service for help.

Funded by the L&Q Foundation and run by We Are Digital, Pound Advice can help you manage budgeting and debt and support you to access any benefits you may be entitled to, with independent and confidential one-to-one support.

To access the Pound Advice services, please email or call them on 0203 475 2221. Alternatively, you can visit the Pound Advice website.

You'll also find useful information and tips on our cost of living support page.

You can also seek independent advice from Citizen Advice or a housing or benefits service.