What to Do if You Can’t Afford to Pay Rent

1. Review Your Lease

If you're struggling to come up with your next rent payment, the first thing you should do is review your lease. It will have information about whether there is a grace period for making late payments and if your landlord charges late fees.

Your lease also includes information about whether you can sublet your apartment or invite a roommate to move in to get some financial relief, plus how much it would cost to break the lease if you decide that's your best option. Understanding the terms can help you decide what to do next.

2. Contact Your Landlord

If you're unable to pay your rent, let your landlord know before the payment is due. They may be willing to work with you to develop a repayment plan. It's best to give them as much notice as possible. Don't wait until after you miss a payment to talk with them.

3. Seek Emergency Assistance

It can be scary to realize you may not be able to pay your bills, but you don't have to go through it alone. Many state, local and tribal organizations have resources to help renters in a tight spot. Check with your local or state government offices or search online to see what's available in your area. You can also contact local nonprofits and community programs directly. Programs and services vary by location, but they may be worth checking out.

If you're unsure where to begin your search, calling 211 can help. This national organization was designated by the Federal Communications Commission as a resource that connects callers to local sources that may be able to provide social services, including rent assistance. They can also offer resources if you're struggling to access other essentials like food, utilities or health care.

Tip: Don't overlook assistance offered by local religious groups or food banks. Contact your local utility provider to see if they're offering relief or look for assistance with utility bills. Also explore options for credit card and debt relief from your lenders. Put the money you'd normally spend on those expenses toward the rent.

4. Know Your Rights

If you believe you are at risk of facing eviction, learn your rights to navigate the situation. Eviction laws vary widely from state to state and even county to county, so it's important to know what laws protect you.

Your landlord must adhere to all applicable laws during the eviction process, and you may have certain protections, depending on where you live. The Pew Charitable Trusts and Stanford Law School have created a searchable database where you can learn more about your area's housing, eviction and rent laws.

If you can't pay your rent and your landlord files an eviction lawsuit, you'll need to file a response with the court within a certain time frame, either on your own or with the help of an attorney. Contact the court to find out how to do this. You can find free legal help in your area through the American Bar Association, the Legal Service Corp. and LawHelp.org.

Tip: If you need help navigating the legal landscape, a housing counselor can help educate you on your rights and potential financial assistance for which you may be eligible. The Department of Housing and Urban Development lists its approved housing resources on its website.

5. Consider Moving in With Friends or Family

If you won't be able to catch up on your rent payments in a month or two, you may need to make alternate living arrangements. Moving in with a friend or family member may not be your ideal living situation, but remember that it's temporary.

Friends and family may be willing to cut you a break on rent and other expenses while you get back on your feet. Sharing the cost of rent, utilities and other living expenses can free up room in your budget to help you avoid missing other payments. Staying current on your other financial obligations can help keep your credit in good standing.

6. Find a Lower-Cost Place to Live

If moving in with friends and family isn't an option, consider moving to a smaller unit or less expensive area where rent is more affordable. You may also want to look into long-term government assistance, such as government-subsidized public housing or the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

If you're eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you can use your voucher for any housing that meets the program's guidelines. The landlord receives a partial payment through the program, and you are responsible for paying the difference.

7. Look for Spare Funds

If you have time to gather more money to pay rent and stay in your home, consider the following actions:

• Save as much money as possible. If your landlord hasn't started eviction proceedings but you're worried about making rent in the near future, revamp your budget to cut your expenses, looking for ways to save money you can put toward housing. Also consider lowering your bills by negotiating better rates or changing plans to reduce monthly costs.
• Take in a roommate. A roommate can help share the rent burden, but read your rental agreement and get your landlord's blessing first. Some landlords will raise the rent or want an extra security deposit for adding a roommate to a lease.
• Find a side gig. Look for a part-time job to earn extra money or consider selling items on Amazon, eBay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace or other sites. There are many jobs you can do online to bring in more money for the rent.

Learn more: Ways to Make Extra Money From Home

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're at risk of not paying your rent, you probably have questions about the potential impact a missed payment will have. Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions.

Getting Help With Your Finances

If you're struggling to pay your rent, help is available. However, if your inability to pay isn't the result of a short-term setback but rather something potentially more long term, such as a job loss, you may need to rethink your overall financial situation. If you need help, a nonprofit credit counselor can review your finances and suggest changes you can make to improve your financial footing.

While you work to avoid eviction, be prepared in case the worst should happen. If you face a court case in which the court rules against you, you may be forced out of your rental in as little as 24 hours. Look for temporary shelter with friends or relatives, or visit JustShelter.org and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for resources to find housing and other assistance.