Council housing rent payments

How often is rent due?

Your rent is due weekly in advance, and there are usually 52 Mondays in a rent year. 

However, did you know that 2024-25 is a 53-week rent year? 

Every five or six years, there are 53 Mondays between 1 April and 31 March. 

This year 1 April fell on a Monday, therefore this rent year runs from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 and is a 53-week rent year 

The next time this falls will be1 April 2030. 

What does this mean for me? 

Depending on how you pay your rent, you may not need to do anything. However, we urge everyone to carefully review the information below. 

If you are unsure, please contact the Customer Accounts Team on 024 7637 6323 

Direct Debit payers 

You do not need to do anything, whether you pay weekly or monthly, your Direct Debit payments will be updated to reflect the 53 weeks. 

Please Note: weekly payers will be paying for the 53 weeks, but over 52 payments 

Standing Order 

As you are in control of your Standing Order, you will need to ensure you update this with your bank, to reflect the increase in your rent. 

Housing Benefit 

You do not need to do anything. Your weekly Housing Benefit will automatically be paid to your rent account over 53 weeks. 

Universal Credit 

Although Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council charges rent weekly, Universal Credit will pay your Housing Element monthly. 

Current legislation means Universal Credit will only calculate your Housing Element entitlement using a 52 week calculation. 

For example: 

  • Weekly rent is £101.28 per week 

  • £101.28 x 52 weeks = £5,266.56 

  • £5,266.56 / 12 months = £438.88 per calendar month 

As this year is a 53 week rent year, you will have a shortfall in your Housing Element of Universal Credit by one week 

I am in receipt of Universal Credit, what do I do? 

If Universal Credit pay your rent to the Council directly, you will need to pay a little extra to cover the week’s shortfall. If you do not, your account will fall into arrears and you may receive reminder letters. 

If you receive Universal Credit but pay the rent yourself, you will need to pay a little extra to cover the week’s shortfall, by calculating your rent using 53 weeks. 

For example: 

  • Your weekly rent is £101.28 

  • Universal Credit pay you £438.88 per month Housing Element (calculated using 52 weeks) 

  • £101.28 x 53 weeks = £5,367.84 

  • £5,367.84 / 12 months = £447.32 you need to pay monthly 

If you wish to discuss your rent payments, contact Customer Accounts on 024 7637 6323 or email customer.accounts@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk. 

View further information about how Universal Credit is paid, and to make a claim. 

Other useful information