As we’ve historically had different tenancy agreements, there are some customers who have their annual rent charge spread evenly over a 48 or 50-week period, instead of a 52-week period.
These customers have two or four rent clear (also known as rent free) weeks in the year but make up for this by paying slightly more each week or month than an equivalent customer with no rent clear weeks. The amounts are the same over the full year.
Please note these arrangements are part of your tenancy agreement so you cannot change the option that applies to you.
Whether you have rent clear/rent free weeks or not, our goal is to make sure you’re charged accurately and fairly throughout the year.
Rent calculations for 48-week tenancy agreements
- For these homes, there are four weeks each year when rent is not charged to your account. These weeks are commonly known as ‘rent clear’ weeks.
- These rent clear weeks are typically split into two lots of two-week periods:
- one occurs at the end of March/April
- the other takes place in December.
- During these rent clear weeks, you won’t see any rent charges applied to your account, but your annual rent charge will be spread evenly over the other 48 weeks.
- If you have arrears, have an existing agreement or pay monthly, then please make sure you pay your rent in full during these weeks. We’ve already factored in your rent-clear weeks, so please don’t make any changes to what you pay.
Rent calculations for 50-week tenancy agreements
- For these homes, there are two weeks each year when rent is not charged to your account. These weeks are commonly known as ‘rent clear’ weeks.
- These rent clear weeks are typically split into a two-week period:
- these rent clear weeks occur in December.
- During these rent clear weeks, you won’t see any rent charges applied to your account, but your annual rent charge will be spread evenly over the other 50 weeks.
- If you have arrears, have an existing agreement or pay monthly, then please make sure you pay your rent in full during these weeks. We’ve already factored in your rent clear weeks, so please don’t make any changes to what you pay.
Rent calculations for 52-week tenancy agreements
- If your rent is calculated and charged over 52 weeks, there are no rent-clear weeks applied to your account.
- You are still only being charged the correct total annual amount for your rent.
What should you do during rent clear weeks if you have missed rent payments?
If you’ve missed rent payments, you’ll need to continue paying any agreed amount you owe during the rent-clear weeks.
What are your options during rent clear weeks if your account is up to date?
If you pay by cash or credit/debit card
If your rent is calculated over 48 or 50 weeks, and you pay in advance using cash or credit/debit cards, you can choose not to pay rent during this time if your account is up to date and in advance at the beginning of the rent-clear period.
If you pay your rent monthly, you’ll need to continue paying the same amount as usual. This is because any rent clear weeks will already have been factored into your payments throughout the year.
If you pay by Direct Debit
If you pay by direct debit, you still receive two or four rent-clear weeks each year. Your annual rent charge is based on the 48/50-week calculation. However, your direct debit ensures consistent payments throughout the year - spreading the total amount evenly.
If you pay by standing order
If you pay your rent by standing order, and your account is up to date and in advance at the start of the rent-clear period, you can choose to adjust your payment amount during this period. Simply contact your bank.