(DailyAnswer.org) – According to a 2022 report by Freddie Mac, 62 percent of American households were worried about their ability to pay rent. Many people have emergency funds that cushion them during tough times. But some don’t. With the nation’s current economic state, you may be behind in rent payments. However, you shouldn’t fret. There are options that the situation can be contained, at least for a while. This is how to find help if you need help to make your next rent payment.
Talk to Your Landlord
Everyone is living in tough times, and so is your landlord. You might be surprised to see how your landlord cares for you as a tenant, especially when you have been paying rent steadily. Getting a property ready for a new tenant might be more costly than a delayed or missing payment. However, not everyone understands as it seems, but why not give it a shot? It also serves as a defense to avoid eviction. It is also important to explain you are acting in good faith since they also pay bills to run the premises.
Section 8 Housing
This program has been in effect since 1974. It helps people who earn a low or very low income based on annual gross income. Other target groups are the disabled and senior citizens. This system allows the government to pay some amount towards your rent while you pay the difference. To get these benefits, your landlord must agree to lease the property under section 8. If the landlord disagrees, you can walk out of your lease without eviction or any penalties and move into a property that allows Section 8.
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Programs
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the Emergency Rental Assistance (Era) Program, a U.S. Department of Treasury grant covering low-income households’ unmet rent and other utility expenses. Despite being a federal program, some states, like New York, are not offering these benefits in 2023. Most states and territories are still offering ERA programs but have waiting lists. Go to the ERA program to find out whether your state is a participant and how to apply for the benefits. Since the waiting time may be indefinite, please communicate with your landlord so they know you are working something out.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program
Sometimes rent arrears may lead to eviction. An evicted person may be rendered homeless, especially if they were evicted due to rent arrears. The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program comes to the rescue. It ensures that individuals and families are not homeless while re-housing those homeless. They kick in for a while in some utility bills until you can get back on your feet.
Local and State Charities
Most people care for their neighbors. Nobody will want to see you being evicted or struggling to make ends meet. Many community-based organizations, such as Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, are willing to help one of their own who is struggling. Some people in local social media groups have information about a charity organization that offers help. However, many organizations operate under financial stress and may not provide a lasting solution to such a problem. There is nothing wrong with seeking help. If you can help someone needy, you should be open when you are on the other receiving end.
Bottom Line
Rent is a recurring expenditure that needs a permanent solution. Surviving on grants and donations can only provide temporary relief. In most cases, financial constraints are unprecedented. If you predict an oncoming problem, prepare early by re-evaluating your budget to get a place you can afford.
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