Fear of the future, anxiety, overthinking, and feeling lost are all symptoms of inability to pay rent.  This syndrome has been hitting so many people, especially in the last couple of years. When you cannot afford rent, whether you have fallen on hard times or simply have not managed your money properly, it is an incredibly stressful situation.

Thank God there are plenty of efficient ways that you can try to loosen the burden of your rent. In this article, we are going to walk you through some of them.

Get Some Company

In case you live alone, it will harm no one if you find a roommate to split the rent check with. Even if you do not like the idea of having a stranger living with you, it is still much better than living on the streets. Find someone willing to cooperate with you and share responsibilities.

If you are the head of a family, consider hosting. So many people, especially foreign students, tend to rent a room in a host family’s house. It is a win-win deal where you help each other with the rental costs.

Friendly, Talk to Your Landlord 

“We need to talk” is considered one of the most overwhelming statements in human history. Still, it is a necessary evil in your case. You should be completely honest with your landlord about your current financial situation. Communication is key, so explain that you are having financial problems and what you are going through right now.

And yes, maybe some people will not understand or care, but perhaps this time it will work out in your favor. However, you need to find a middle ground that will meet both your and your landlord’s needs. You may have to give up on some things, but you should consider the greater good.

Tips for How to Talk to Your Landlord 

• Explain your situation, either in writing, in person, or over the phone, as to why you are unable to pay your rent.
• If you have it, provide documents of your loss of income or other evidence to support your claims.
• Tell your landlord when you think you will be able to make the payment or suggest a payment plan in which you will pay some of the rent now and the rest in installments over a period of time.

Make Sure You Understand Your Rights As a Tenant

As you know (or not, now you do), eviction rules and regulations differ from one state to another. Therefore, the best way to learn about your rights as a tenant is to consult with a lawyer. They can demonstrate your rights as a tenant and notify you if there are any changes in your state.

You should be aware that some landlords may try to evict you through “self-help evictions.” This involves changing the locks, disconnecting utilities, and refusing to pay for maintenance. You should know that these practices are illegal almost everywhere. Your lawyer will explain to you how to deal with such a situation and what steps you should consider.

In addition, do not forget to check your lease to see what your legal agreement says about paying rent. Often leases provide a grace period or describe your landlord’s options for recourse, such as late fees.

Emergency Funds

It is time to get your savings out of that piggy bank. If you have been wise enough to create an emergency fund, that will get you out of much trouble. An emergency fund is that amount of money that you set aside for emergencies …Dah! It could be used for unexpected healthcare bills or housing problems (like yours in this case).

This money will help you survive until you can find a better solution, like moving to another house with a lower rent rate or applying for housing support.

Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Programs

If you tried the previous solutions but they did not work out for you, this one can be your savior. Emergency Rental Assistance programs are an excellent option for those who cannot afford rental costs.

The federal ERA Program allows local programs to cover rent, utilities, and home energy bills. This comprises electricity, gas, fuel oil, water and sewer, and garbage collection. If your landlord typically handles utilities or home energy costs, they will be included in your rent.

If you are interested in applying, you will have to demonstrate your income level. You should also prove that you are suffering from housing instability. Also, you should prepare a document stating that all of the information you provided is correct and that you will spend the money provided by the Program properly.

Consider Moving to Another Place

Still facing the same problem? Maybe this individual-house relationship is just not meant to be. I mean think about it, it is consuming too much of your energy and money. So, maybe it is time to move on and find another rental. It is a tough decision, yet an important one.

You can always hunt for a less expensive apartment as a short-term alternative to help you get by. With lower rent, you will get to manage your living situation as well as your budget at the same time.

Manage Your Other Expenses

In some scenarios, you may be able to make arrangements with your other financial obligations to free up extra funds to meet your rent payment. Start removing needless expenses from your budget like the costly subscription services you can do without for the short term.

Seek Financial Support from Family or Friends.

It is ok to ask a trusted friend or a close family member for a little help. Everyone, including you, needs help from time to time. Your situation may improve significantly if you can borrow some money or get a loan from family or friends just to settle your rent issue.

We do recommend that you set a repayment plan with whoever lends you money. That way you will be showing them that you are serious about paying them back.

What Should Not You Do?

Now that you have a solid background of what you should do if you cannot pay rent, let’s have a look at what you should avoid doing. Under any circumstances, there are 3 things you definitely should not do:

#1 No Procrastination

In general, if you have the money in your bank account but your rent payment is not due for a few days, it is a good idea to pay it early. This will support your relationship with the landlord and encourage him to help during the hard times.

Alternatively, if you know you will not be able to make the payment this month, contact your landlord right away to work out a solution.

#2 No Bounced Checks

A bounced check will irritate your landlord immediately, harming your relationship and your chances of renewing your lease in the future. Furthermore, you may be charged late fees or a bounced check fee. Which can add extra drama to your situation.

#3 No Lies

If you are having trouble paying your rent because of a low income or bad money management, it can be tempting to blame your situation on more “forgivable” reasons, such as illness or losing your job. However, this simply leads to bigger problems when you need to provide evidence or documents to back up your claim.

Bottom Line

In short, any renter would be stressed if their rent was not paid on time, but there are good solutions. If you know you will not be able to make your rent payment, notify your landlord right away. They may offer a payment plan or another arrangement that benefits both sides.

You can also seek loans from loved ones, or turn to national and local groups that provide rent assistance. In the same fashion, you can use your emergency savings, find a roommate or even move to a cheaper rental. Lastly, no matter what your current situation is, never give up.

References:

• The Facts about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• https://www.dailyprosper.com/cant-pay-rent-heres-what-you-do/?utm_placement=dailyprosper
• Next Steps If You Can’t Pay Rent This Month | MYMOVE