Paying your rent
Hello, we’re guessing you’re here because you’ve received your rent letter for 2024/25!
Every year, we review how much rent you pay for your home. We calculate it based on guidelines provided by the government.
Don't forget, if you have any questions or would like some support, just chat with us using the ‘Live Chat’ button on the screen, or give us a call.
Housing Benefit
If you claim Housing Benefit, you'll need to ensure your local authority update your benefit calculations to reflect the new rent. Plus, try our new shortfall calculator here.
Universal Credit
Don't forget to update your journal on or soon after 1 April or the date that we've told you your rent is changing. Don’t do it early, as it will impact your claim.
Direct Debits
If you pay your rent via Direct Debit, we'll automatically update it with your new rent amount and send you a new Direct Debit schedule soon.
The 53 week year
There are 52 weeks in a normal year, meaning 52 weekly charges. However, every five to six years, there are 53 Mondays in a year instead. 2024/25 is one of those years.
If your rent is charged weekly, it is charged on a Monday this means you'll pay rent for 53 weeks instead of 52. If you pay by Direct Debit you don't need to do anything, we'll do the calculation for you and update your Direct Debit accordingly.
Monthly payments
If the rent amount on your letter is a weekly amount but you normally pay monthly by debit or credit card you'll need to make an adjustment. You'll need to multiply your weekly rent by either 53 or 49 (if you are entitled to rent free weeks) and divide by 12.
Universal credit
When calculating Universal Credit, the DWP work out monthly rent by multiplying a week’s rent by 52 and dividing by 12. This is the case even when there is an extra week in the year.
As the DWP pay 52 weeks of your housing entitlement, you will need to pay any difference between your housing payments and the rent charged by us.
Service charges explained
If the amount you pay for your home includes a service charge, your 2024/25 rent letter will let you know how much it is and which charges you’re paying. Here, we explain in more detail how we use the money we receive in service charges. Don’t worry, they won’t all be applicable to you! Only the ones in your letter.
Rent free weeks
If you are eligible, you'll have four rent free weeks
16 December 2024
23 December 2024
31 March 2025
If you have a debt on your rent account, you'll need to continue paying through these weeks, to help reduce the amount owed.
Affordable for all
If you're struggling to afford your rent, please let us know as soon as you can. Being in debt can be very stressful for you and your family, especially when your home is at risk. But there’s lots of help available, and our expert Housing teams can point you in the right direction, just get in touch.
Need help with your letter?
If you need a copy of your rent letter in another language or format (like a CD or large print) please let us know. We'll store your preference on our system, and get a new copy sent out to you right away. We can also add a new address, if you'd like your future correspondence sent to a trusted friend or family member.
