by Stephen Oldham, BITMO Income & Tenancy Manager
Did you know that this year has 53 weeks between 1 April 2024 and 6 April 2025?
What does this mean for me ?
Your rent will be charged 53 times between 1 April 2024 and 6 April 2025.
Rent and other service charges are levied weekly and run from Monday to Sunday.
Will it affect how I pay my rent ?
It will depend how you pay your rent.
If you pay by Direct Debit your payment will be slightly higher to take into account, the extra week. This is done automatically.
If you claim Universal Credit, you will only receive 52 weeks Housing Element as per DWP regulations. This means that you will have to pay extra to make up for the shortfall.
If you pay by other methods, please amend the amount you pay to reflect the 53rd week.
What do I need to do ?
Nothing if you pay by Direct Debit, the amount changes automatically.
• If you claim Universal Credit you will need to pay for the week the DWP do not pay. The extra amount you pay will depend on how much your weekly rent is. This will be between £6 – £10 a month.
For example: for a weekly rent of £82.26, you can pay in monthly instalments of £6.86 (dividing £82.26 by 12 months).
If you pay by other methods, you will need to increase the amount you pay.
How do I calculate my monthly rent for the 53 week financial year ?
• To calculate the correct monthly figure from 1 April 2024, you will need to multiply the rent by 53 (weeks), and then divide it by 12 (months). For example: for a weekly rent of £85:
£85 × 53 = £4,505. Then £4,505 ÷ 12 = £375.42
If you need more information contact Rent Team on 0113 378 2187 or email us at Rents.Enquiries@belleisletmo.co.uk . Please contact us if you are struggling to pay your rent or other bills. There are also some useful money advice agencies below.
