Help paying rent when you’re behind
Being a month behind is stressful, but it’s fixable. The most important thing is to act early.
Behind on rent? Talk to your landlord first
Tell them what happened, how much you can pay now, and when you can pay the rest. Put the plan in writing, even if it’s a text or an email. A clear plan is much easier to say yes to.
Emergency rent assistance near you
- Call or text 211, or visit 211.org. Ask about emergency rent assistance in your area.
- Local charities like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities help with rent in many cities.
- Some employers and religious communities have hardship funds. It’s worth asking.
Help paying rent to avoid eviction
Eviction rules vary a lot by state and city. If you get a notice, contact a local legal aid office right away. Many offer free help to tenants, and some cities have programs just for eviction prevention.