Some customers pay their rent over 48 weeks of the year instead of 52.

If this applies to your tenancy, you will have 4 non‑charging rent weeks (“rent‑free weeks”) each year.

These weeks are normally:

• 2 weeks over Christmas, and
• 2 weeks around the end of March / start of April

If you pay weekly or fortnightly and are on a 48‑week rent schedule, you will receive these weeks every year.

Upcoming Non‑Charging Rent Weeks

2025/26

• Week beginning 30 March 2026

2026/27

• Week beginning 6 April 2026
• Week beginning 21 December 2026
• Week beginning 28 December 2026
• Week beginning 29 March 2027

Remember: Rent must always be paid in advance.

Your rent account must be at least one week in credit to benefit from these weeks.

Do non‑charging rent weeks apply to me?

✅ If your rent is charged over 48 weeks

Yes — you get the non‑charging rent weeks.

❌ If your rent is charged over 52 weeks

No — because your rent is already spread across every week of the year.
This is reflected in a lower weekly rent compared to 48‑week customers.

If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or contact us and we can confirm this for you.

How non‑charging weeks affect different payment types

If you are in rent arrears

You still need to make your usual agreed payment.
This will help reduce your arrears more quickly.

If you are paying a court order

You must continue to pay the amount set by the court, even in non‑charging weeks.

If you pay monthly

Non‑charging weeks do not apply.
Your monthly Direct Debit / Standing Order is already calculated to spread your rent over 12 equal payments.

If you receive Universal Credit (housing element)

UC already includes the non‑charging weeks in your monthly payment.
This means you must continue paying your rent to us during these weeks to avoid arrears.

If you pay by weekly Direct Debit

We do not take weekly DDs during non‑charging weeks.
If you are in arrears, you’ll need to make a separate manual payment so your arrears do not increase.

What happens if you don’t pay?

If you fail to pay your rent or arrears as agreed, we may take further action, which can include:

• requesting deductions directly from your Universal Credit
• starting legal action for possession (minimum cost added: £404)
• in serious cases, seeking eviction

Need help?

If you’re unsure about your tenancy type, payment plan, or arrears, please call our Rent Support Team on 0303 333 0101.

To pay rent online, visit our Pay Your Rent.