RoxanneIf you think you’re the only person struggling to pay the bills, think again. According to a study from the United Way Alice Project, 43 percent of households cannot pay their bills every month. Since rent is usually the biggest bill, it comes as no surprise that many have issues with paying theirs on time.
Paying 30 to 50 percent of your income on rent puts you at significant risk for financial emergencies. If just one thing goes wrong, like your car needs a repair or your child gets sick, you could find yourself coming up short with your landlord.
What do many people do when they lack the money for a financial emergency? According to a Bankrate survey, most finance it with a credit card. Others cut back spending on other things, while the rest borrow from family and friends or get a personal loan.
What should you do if you are low on funds and the rent is due? Using your credit card isn’t a great move, as it can put you further into debt. It may be too late to cut back spending. And lastly, asking friends or family or getting a personal loan may be an option. That’s why if you need emergency rent assistance, here are some better moves to make:
Let your landlord know.
If there’s one way to make your situation worse, it’s to completely ignore your landlord or lie about what’s going on. Chances are you’re not the first tenant they ever had, and they’ve already heard all of the stories that come with late rent payments.
Before reaching out to your landlord, read your lease in detail. Get to know how evictions work and what happens when you don’t pay on time. With that information, then talk to your landlord and explain why you’ll be late. More importantly, tell them everything you’re doing to pay them as quickly as possible.
If you’re looking for a new or second job, offer proof of your applications or interviews. If you’re selling items, show evidence of that. Or if you’re applying for rent assistance, show your landlord that you’ve done it, so they know you’re truthful.
You may be able to buy some time by offering a partial payment. After you give some cash to your landlord, provide them with a date when the rest will appear.
Find charities and religious organizations.
You may know of the Salvation Army by their volunteers who solicit donations by ringing bells outside of stores. But did you know they can also offer emergency rent assistance? They sure can, and you might be eligible. To find out, contact the Salvation Army nearest you. A similar organization is Catholic Charities.
Besides the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, other organizations can help you pay the rent on a temporary, emergency basis. You can find them by dialing 211 on your phone and speaking to an operator.
Get help from strangers online.
GoFundMe can help you raise cash quickly for the rent. All you need to do is create a campaign online and see if those who run across your story on the Internet are willing to donate.
Modest Needs can link you to strangers looking to help as well. If they see your story and want to help, they can donate directly to your cause in the form of a grant.
Ask your employer for help.
A payroll advance could give you the cash you need now to pay the rent and enjoy stability so you can properly do your job. As long as you’ve been reliable in the past, your employer may take you up on your offer.
Get rental assistance for the future.
A housing voucher from Section 8 can help you pay a portion of the rent every month so you won’t come up short again.
