This year is known as a 53-week rent year, which means your rent will be charged 53 times instead of 52.
This is because in 2024/25 there are 53 Mondays in the year. Every five or six years, there is an extra Monday in the year.
You’ll still have the four rent free weeks, so you’ll pay rent for 49 of the 53 weeks in total.
Why does this happen?
Although you normally pay rent for 52 weeks a year, there are slightly more than 52 weeks in a year. This means that every five or six years all those extra days accumulate to add an extra week to the year.
What if I receive Housing Benefit?
If you receive Housing Benefit, you don’t need to do anything as your rent payments will be covered.
What if I receive Universal Credit?
We charge your rent weekly, but Universal Credit is assessed and paid monthly. Universal Credit will only pay for a maximum of 52 weeks in a single rent year. If you are claiming Universal Credit, you will be required to pay for the extra week yourself. We understand that you may be worried about this and we’re here to help. If you’re concerned our income team will be happy to help. Please call us on 0800 408 0000 or email incometeam@cbh.org.
What if I pay my rent by monthly Direct Debit?
If you pay your rent by Direct Debit, you don’t need to do anything. We will calculate the additional week’s rent and will adjust your payments. We’ll do this calculation for you and automatically adjust your payments by multiplying by 49 weeks and dividing by 12 months.
What if I pay my rent by monthly standing order?
If you pay by standing order, you need to adjust your monthly payments yourself. We cannot do this for you. To calculate how much rent you should pay each month, multiply your weekly rent amount by 49, and divide it by 12. For example, if your rent was £100 a week: £100 X 49 ÷ 12 = £408.33 per month.
What if my rent account is currently in arrears?
If you have an agreement to pay existing arrears, add your agreement amount to your new rent amount. If you are unsure how much to pay or do not have an agreement in place, please call us on 0800 408 0000 or email our income team incometeam@cbh.org who will be happy to help.
Unsure what you need to do or having problems paying?
If you’re not sure what to do, or you’re having difficulty meeting your payments, please call us on 0800 408 0000 or email incometeam@cbh.org.
Contact us for help and advice
If there is anything you would like to know that isn’t included here, please call us on 0800 408 0000 or email incometeam@cbh.org. Our income team will be happy to help.
Contact the press office on communications@cheltenham.gov.uk | 0800 408 0000