How to Get Help Paying Rent

If you need to get help paying rent because you lost a job or have other bills, there may be resources in your community that can help. Don't wait to call. Try to find assistance as soon as possible. Contact the agencies listed here to get help paying rent.

Instructions

1. Contact your landlord first if you anticipate ongoing financial hardship. Be honest. She may be willing to lower your rent temporarily or develop some type of payment plan.

2. Gather information on your current income and call the department of human resources in your state. Ask if there are any rental assistance programs available where you live based on your income.

3. Contact the USDA rural development program if you live in a rural area. You may be able to get help paying rent if you meet the income requirements or have someone in your household with a disability.

4. Call your local United Way and ask for a reference to charities in your area that may offer assistance. It may not help by paying your rent directly, but the organization may offer food or utility assistance. Be aware that in tough times, there will be a big demand for these services.

5. Contact the housing and urban development program, or HUD, to help pay a portion of your rent through the Rental Voucher Program. This program is limited to low-income families, and not all landlords participate.

6. Save money on other bills to help raise funds for the rent. Cut all services -- like cable, cell phone and Internet -- to get help paying rent.

References

• United Way: Home
• HUD.gov: Home