David Morey 
Life Happens- Here’s What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your Rent This Month
It is pessimistic to expect the worst, but having an outlook that expects the worst can help you stay prepared and enjoy your life when the best comes your way. Life is unpredictable and can throw you many surprises, some of which can be expensive to fix. Whether you are dealing with a flat tire, speeding ticket, or another financial mishap, you may be unable to pay your rent this month.
So what happens when you’re short on rent this month? You have options, but you should explore quite a few of them and consider changing your financial habits to avoid this situation.
5 Things You Can Do if You’re Short on Rent This Month
According to Forbes, the average cost of rent in the United States is $1,372, but in places like San Diego, Chicago, and New York City, you may be paying quite a bit more than that per month. Regardless of the city you live in, not being able to pay your rent is quite the cause for concern, and financial instability can significantly affect your mental health.
If you’re struggling to make ends meet due to an unexpected expense or an absurdly high rent
- Look for a part-time job or side hustle. If your 9-5 isn’t enough to help you stay afloat financially, consider getting a second or part-time job to supplement your income. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are well-known for connecting freelancers to contract work. As a freelancer or contract worker, you can work on your schedule and typically set your hours as long as you meet your deadlines. Almost 40% of the workforce is made up of freelancers! Sign up as soon as possible and earn the rest of the rent money you need to avoid eviction. Whatever skill set you have, you can market yourself based on your field and earn a side income.
- Consider a roommate. Additionally, consider getting a roommate to alleviate the burden of paying rent alone. While having a second bedroom is nice if you work from home, try condensing your space and getting a roommate to help you pay for rent. This can save you significant money each month and give you more to spend on other expenses. Additionally, having a roommate can be a great way to meet new people and build relationships with community members!
- Look for a new living situation. Moving in with a family member is another option if you can’t afford your rent anymore. While this can seem like defeat, it doesn’t have to be. Many Americans still live with their parents, and it’s a lot more common than you might think.
- Think about getting a loan. If none of the aforementioned options are available to you, you can also consider taking out a loan to help cover the cost of rent this month. However, thoroughly read your loan terms and conditions to ensure you understand them. Do not take out a loan you can’t realistically afford to repay! Learn more about different loan types to figure out what’s best for you, such as car title loans, personal loans, cash advances, etc.
- Look for any payment plan options. In some cases, you may be able to ask your landlord for a payment plan or an extension due to financial hardship. Document any conversations with your landlord in case you need to file a dispute.
Understand Eviction Protections if You’re Short on Rent This Month
If you are facing eviction, you must know your rights as a renter. Whether an eviction lawsuit has been filed or not, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a lot of great resources you can check out. You may live in a state with eviction protections!
As a renter, consider contacting your local housing or legal aid organizations for more information. They can also advise how to negotiate rent payments with your landlord.
