(TheDailyCurrents.com) – Are you wondering what to do if you can’t pay your rent? Considering that about one-third of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, you are not alone. Many people are just one medical emergency or unexpected expense away from filing for rental assistance or losing the roof over their heads.  According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 1 in 5 renters had fallen behind or struggled to pay their rent during the pandemic.

Whether you are experiencing financial hardships or haven’t budgeted your spending accordingly, do not panic. There are many rental assistance programs and other payment options to help struggling renters. Here is what to do if you are short on rent:

1. Apply For Rental Assistance Programs

If you are struggling with your rent, there are various national and local rental assistance programs that offer rent relief to get you back on your feet. Individuals having difficulties paying rent should register with the US Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program in their localities.

Some organizations offer one-time emergency grants to help you cover the rent deficit before it gets worse. Also, several local and federal organizations offer long-term assistance like housing subsidies or helping you find low-income housing. Here are the places to get help before an eviction notice is issued:

• Catholic Charities offers various emergency assistance programs for individuals and families on the brink of eviction. They offer grants and other short-term financial assistance to pay rent and other approved utilities. A renter must apply in person and prove their case.
• Modest Needs offers grants of up to $1000 for anyone with a job to cover one emergency expense. Call (844) 667-3776, contact via email, or create a request through the Modest Needs website.
• The local Salvation Army provides special one-time help to pay rent, buy food, and other utilities like electricity bills. You will have to apply in person through your local office to prove your hardship.
• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a wide range of services like rental assistance, security deposits, housing, energy bills, and other related services for low-income families, the elderly, and people living with disabilities. Through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, HUD subsidizes rent by paying part of the cost directly to your landlord to lighten the load for struggling renters.

2. Talk To Your Landlord

If you have a history of paying your rent on time, there is no shame in talking to your landlord about a stay of eviction. Most landlords are flexible and will give you time to get the money if you have an honest conversation before you are late with the payment. Ensure you explain your situation vividly to the landlord, either in writing or face to face, and provide proof of loss of income, if any.

Most landlords and lenient to good tenants and may even be willing to discuss a more flexible payment plan with you. Expedient communication is key in this case to avoid penalties for late payments.

3. Get Personal Loans

Personal loans can be a good option for meeting emergency expenditures. Most personal loans do not require collateral and usually have a fixed interest rate and a repayment period. However, it is important to research and understand the possible future financial obligations like rent delays due to loan repayment. It is advisable to avoid payday loans and instead consider special loans from credit unions designed for low-income households.

4. Reorganize Your Budget

Before you panic that you can’t pay your rent, double-check your budget to root-out any unnecessary expenses to free up more funds to pay your rent. Trimming your budget is good if you have at least part of the rent money.

Consider applying for the hardship programs designed by credit card companies to help those in financial difficulties. These programs will reduce your monthly repayments and thus free up more money for your rent.

Bottom-line

Whether it is triggered by an emergency or just a simple budgeting problem, being unable to afford rent is stressful. There are numerous local and national rental assistance programs to help you in such difficult times. Also, you can get your affairs in order with the right assistance and credit counseling. You may learn to create an affordable budget or shift to affordable housing programs.

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