Receiving a late rent notice is stressful, especially if you don’t have the money to pay your landlord. Although it may seem like eviction is inevitable if you find it difficult to pay your rent, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are things you can do to avoid being told to leave your home. If you can’t pay the rent, here are some tips to avoid eviction that are worth trying.
1. Talk to your landlord or property management company
One of the first steps you should take if you have received a late rent notice, or even if you haven’t but know you will be late with your rent, is to talk to your landlord or property management company. Talking to them directly gives you the opportunity to explain the situation, which is potentially wise if you are experiencing a temporary difficulty.
Your landlord or property management company may be able to work with you in the short term, giving you a chance to get back on your feet and pay what you owe. For example, some may be able to arrange a payment plan for any back rent, allowing you to catch up over time. However, you’ll only know what’s available if you ask for it, so it’s worth considering contacting them.
2. Pay what you can on time (or as soon as possible)
Even if you can’t pay your rent in full on time, it may be helpful to send what you can to your landlord or property management company as soon as possible. This is especially true if you ask for a little wiggle room or want to explore options like payment plans to catch up on rent. It is considered an act of good faith, since you are showing that you want to pay the rent; you’re just having trouble doing it.
Plus, paying what you can can help reduce any late fees you owe. In many cases, late fees are based on the amount you haven’t paid, so paying what you can may result in a lower fee.
3. Look for housing assistance programs (or other financial assistance options)
Many people who have low incomes may qualify for some type of housing assistance, which will allow them to obtain financial assistance until they regain financial stability. Program types may vary by location. There may be government agencies in your area that can help, as well as a variety of nonprofit organizations. Some religious institutions may also have programs for people in their area.
If you’re not sure who to turn to, look for a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in your region. You can use the search tool Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) of the United States, as a starting point, although doing your own research is also an option.
Alternatively, you can explore financial assistance programs that can help you manage other household costs, allowing you to put more of your income toward rent. For example, many areas have utility assistance to help low-income households pay for electricity, water, and more. You may be able to use a local food bank to purchase groceries, allowing you to spend less on food. Basically, programs like these can help you free up space in your budget, giving you a way to catch up on rent quickly.
Here are some financial assistance programs that can help you manage other household costs in the United States:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program provides financial assistance to low-income families to pay their energy bills, such as electricity, gas, and heat.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program provides vouchers to low-income families to use to pay rent for adequate housing.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program: This program provides financial assistance to low-income families to help them meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, and child care.
- Head Start and Early Head Start Program: These programs provide education and child care to low-income children from birth to age 5.
- Child Care Assistance Programs: These programs provide financial assistance to low-income families to pay for child care.
4. Find ways to increase your income
If rent is going to be an ongoing problem, then increasing your income might be your best option. You could ask for a raise at your current job, get a second job, start a side hustle, or sell items you don’t need for a quick cash boost.
If you’re open to an alternative approach, you could also explore getting a roommate who can split the cost of rent with you. Just make sure that bringing someone to the property doesn’t violate the lease or that you take the appropriate steps to update the lease and add your roommate. That way, you will remain in compliance with the lease, making it easier to avoid eviction.
If you can’t pay your rent on time but can’t leave your job, there are some things you can do to increase your income. Here are some ideas:
- Look for a second job or a part-time job. This can be a quick and easy way to increase your income. You can search for part-time jobs in your area or online.
- Offer your services as a freelancer. If you have specific skills or experience, you can offer your services as a freelancer. This may include jobs such as writing, graphic design, programming, or teaching.
- Sell things you no longer need. Clean out your house and see if there are things you can sell. You can sell your stuff online, at a garage sale, or at a flea market.
- Ask for a raise at your job. If you are doing a good job in your current position, you can ask for a raise.
- Apply for financial help. There are many financial assistance programs available to help people who are struggling to make ends meet. You can contact your local social services agency for more information.
Here are some additional tips to increase your income:
- Be organized and efficient with your time. When you have more free time, use it to work on additional projects or pursue additional income opportunities.
- Be flexible and willing to work hard. You may need to be willing to work anytime or anywhere to increase your income.
- Be persistent and don’t give up. It may take time to find the right way to increase your income, but don’t give up.
If you are struggling to make ends meet, help is available. With a little effort, you can increase your income and cover your expenses.
5. Look at loans to cover the difference
As a last resort, you could see if you can qualify for a loan to get enough money to cover any back rent. Generally, this only works if you have a reasonable credit score and adequate income to show that you are trustworthy and can afford the payment.
However, this is usually an option you want to explore last. After all, it means going into debt and having to handle another bill every month. But if your financial situation is only going to be difficult for a while and you will recover before the first payment is due (and next month’s rent), it is worth considering.
Here are some quick loans you can get in the United States to deal with rent:
- Personal loans from banks and credit unions: Banks and credit unions offer personal loans with repayment terms of up to 7 years. The requirements for obtaining a personal loan vary by financial institution, but generally include a good credit score and a stable income.
- Payday Loans: Payday loans are short-term loans, typically up to $500, that must be repaid in full within 30 days. These loans have very high interest rates, so they should be used as a last resort.
- Online loans: Many companies offer online loans for a variety of needs, including rent. These loans generally have lower interest rates than payday loans, but eligibility requirements may be stricter.
Here are some companies that offer quick rental loans:
- SoFi: SoFi offers personal loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
- Avant: Avant offers personal loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
- LendingClub: LendingClub offers personal loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
- Prosper: Prosper offers personal loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
When choosing a quick rental loan, it is important to compare the interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements of several companies. It is also important to read the loan agreement carefully before signing it.
A similar option here would be to see if you can borrow the money from a family member or friend.. Again, treat this as a last resort. Owing money to someone in your life can be uncomfortable, and if you have difficulty paying back what you borrow, it can significantly damage the relationship. Still, it’s an avenue worth considering if you find yourself in a short-term bind, so keep that in mind.
