Rent and service charges

Click here to download our Rent Setting FAQs.

Click here to download our Rent Setting FAQs.

Click here to download our Rent Setting FAQs.

Click here to download our Rent Setting FAQs.

Did you know that this financial year that started on 1 April 2024 is a 53-week year?

A typical year is only 52 weeks, but this is not the case in this financial year, as there will be 53 Mondays.

When deciding how much Universal Credit (UC) should be allocated to an individual, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculate monthly rent by multiplying a week’s rent by 48, 50 or 52 weeks, depending on an individual’s tenancy. They would then divide this by 12. This is the case even when there is an extra week in the year.

This means that your monthly UC payments will not cover the monthly rent in 2024. So, you will need to work out the shortfall and pay this.

Example:

WEEK 48 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 49 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £408.33

WEEK 50 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 51 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £425

WEEK 52 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 53 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £441.67

We are here to help, so if you are unsure what this means for you, please get in touch with us on 0333 320 4555 or email incomecollectionteam@progressgroup.org.uk.

Further information about help and support can be found here: Cost of living hub | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)

2024 is a financial 53-week year. 

A typical year is only 52 weeks, but this is not the case in this financial year, as there will be 53 Mondays.

When deciding how much Universal Credit (UC) should be allocated to an individual, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculate monthly rent by multiplying a week’s rent by 48, 50 or 52 weeks, dependant on an individual’s tenancy. They would then divide this by 12. This is the case even when there is an extra week in the year.

This means that your monthly UC payments will not cover the monthly rent in 2024. So, you will need to work out the shortfall and pay this.

Example:

WEEK 48 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 49 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £408.33

WEEK 50 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 51 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £425

WEEK 52 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 53 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £441.67

We are here to help so if you are unsure what this means for you please get in touch with us on 0333 320 4555 or email incomecollectionteam@progressgroup.org.uk.

Further information about help and support can be found here: Cost of living hub | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)

This happens every five or six years, because there are 365 days in a year or 366 in a leap year. This breaks down to 52 weeks in a year plus one day, or in a leap year 52 weeks plus two days. These extra days combine to add an extra week to the year.

If you pay your rent weekly, there will be an extra week of rent to pay. If you pay monthly, please ensure this extra week is covered when you make a rent payment. If you are unable to pay the extra week in one go you can make a payment plan with us to spread the week across the year. Please contact us on 0333 320 4555 or email incomecollectionteam@progressgroup.org.uk so that we can discuss payment options with you.

If you receive Universal Credit this will affect you. The DWP will not cover the additional week of rent. This is something that you will need to pay.

If you are on Housing Benefit this will not affect you as it will cover this.

Unfortunately, the DWP has confirmed it won’t pay for the 53rd week. This means that you will need to pay for the additional week yourself.

If you pay by Direct Debit you don’t need to take any action. We will work the new figure out for you and automatically adjust your payments accordingly.

If you pay by standing order, you will need to make an adjustment to your monthly payments. To understand how much rent, you should be paying each month, multiply your weekly rent amount by 49, 51 or 53 depending on your tenancy and then divide it by 12.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do about this. As the tenant, you will be responsible for paying the extra week of rent that Universal Credit won’t cover.

As you may know, world energy prices have increased and are now at unprecedented levels. As a result, it's predicted that there will be significant increases in energy bills when the energy price cap (which restricts what energy companies can charge) changes on 1 April 2024. Building insurance costs have also been increasing. Increased insurance claims, building material costs and a lack of labour have contributed to increased prices. We are working hard to try and negotiate the best price possible from our suppliers. However, we still expect to see increases during 2024.

The increase in energy prices will mean we will all be paying more for our household energy bills. In addition, Progress Housing Group manages various communal energy supplies, and we expect to see increases in those bills. The communal energy bills will cover communal heating, lighting and laundry costs. 

If you have a communal supply where you live, this will be paid for via your service charge. Some of our customers, like leaseholders and shared owners, will pay for their building insurance via their service charge. With the expected increases in the communal energy and insurance bills, we will need to change your service charges to meet those costs.

Most people are looking at ways to reduce the amount of energy they use to reduce their energy bills. Only using a washing machine when you have a full load or using energy-efficient light bulbs can help reduce your bills. We are also looking at ways to improve the energy efficiency of the homes. Visit our cost of living hub for more information.

We understand that you might have worries or concerns about the predicted increases. We are committed to supporting you should you face financial difficulties. Our specialist teams are here for you and can provide guidance on claiming benefits. Visit our cost of living hub for more information.