We charge rent weekly. Every five to six years, there is an extra week in the rent year to align it with the standard calendar year. This adjustment will take place during the 2024/2025 rent year.

Your questions answered:

Universal Credit and the 53-Week Rent Year

If you're on Universal Credit, it's important to be aware of how the 53-week rent year might affect your housing cost payment.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculates your housing cost payment based on a 52-week year, even if the actual rent year has 53 weeks. Unfortunately, the DWP has confirmed they won't provide extra Universal Credit to cover the additional week.

To avoid falling behind on your rent, you'll need to pay the extra week's rent yourself. If your housing costs are paid directly to MSV from your Universal Credit, you'll need to make a separate payment to cover the 53rd week.

Please get in touch with your Neighbourhood Officer on 0161 226 4211 or email Enquiry@msvhousing.co.uk to discuss this further.

What if I pay by monthly Direct Debit?

If you pay your rent by monthly Direct Debit, you don't need to take any action. We will automatically adjust your payments to account for the extra week.

What if I pay by monthly standing order? 

If you pay by standing order, you'll need to adjust your monthly payments yourself. Here's how:

1. Multiply your weekly rent amount by 49.
2. Divide the result by 12.
3. If you have arrears or a Court Order, add your agreed amount to the weekly rent before multiplying.

For example, if your new rent is £100 per week, the calculation would be: £100 x 49 ÷ 12 = £408.33.

Once you've calculated your new monthly payments, please update your standing order with your bank.

What if I pay by a monthly card payment? 

If you pay by card each month, you’ll need to adjust your monthly payments. Use the same calculation as above (weekly rent x 49 ÷ 12).

If you have arrears or a court order, remember to factor these into your monthly payments.

What happens if I have non-charging weeks? 

Your four non-charging weeks will still apply. However, this year you'll have one more weekly rent charge than usual, so you'll have 49 weeks to pay

What if I am charged over 50-weeks?

If your tenancy agreement states that you have 2 ‘rent free weeks’ then you are usually charged over 50-weeks instead of 52 within the year. When there is a 53-week rent year, it means that you will be charged over 51-weeks and will need to increase your payments to cover the amount owed due to the additional rent week.

What if I pay weekly? 

There’s no change for you. You’ll continue to pay your new weekly rent from 1 April in advance every Monday.

What if I claim Housing Benefit?

If you receive Housing Benefit, you don't need to take any action. Your housing benefit will cover the extra week of rent.

Where can I get further help?

If you have any questions about the 53 week rent or would like support with budgeting or other money advice, our Customer Support team is here to help.

Please email us CustomerSupportTeam@msvhousing.co.uk or phone 0161 226 4211.

Or find out more here