Your landlord let you know that it was time to raise the rent. You accepted since you have nowhere else to go and can’t find a new place since you lack the cash for a security deposit and one or two months of rent. After a few months, you realized that your new monthly rent payment was too high for your budget. Now, you’re behind on the rent, and your landlord is pressuring you for payment.
What can you do? You can’t ignore your landlord, as that will worsen the problem or result in eviction. Instead, you should look for rent relief via HUD.gov so you can get help with that rental payment or find more affordable housing that fits your budget.
Using HUD.gov For Rent Relief
HUD.gov is the official website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As such, you can surf it without worrying about getting scammed. While this government website has tons of resources for renters and homeowners, let’s take a look at how two of its pages can offer you the rent relief you need right now.
The Rent Relief Page
Do any of the following describe your current situation?
- You cannot pay your rent.
- You are falling behind on your utility bills to the point that your electricity or water is about to be disconnected.
- You are having issues with other housing expenses.
If you answered yes since one of those issues apply, then you can use this page to find the swift solution in various ways.
First, you can learn more about evictions and your rights as a renter if your landlord is threatening to kick you out. Read the HUD evictions guidance carefully, and you can counter your landlord’s argument as to why you can no longer live in your current home.
Second, if your rent is past due and you need help paying it and your utility bills, you can do so via emergency rental assistance. Third, if you need a housing counselor to discuss your options, you can find one right here. And if you need even more help with your rent, keep reading, as HUD.gov has another page that can offer assistance.
The Rental Assistance Page
Could you find everything you need on the Rent Relief page of HUD.gov? Sure, but here are even more ways to find help through the Rental Assistance page.
You can find affordable apartments and other types of units through this easy-to-use map. Once you find something that catches your eye, call the management office and ask how you can apply to be a tenant.
If you want to move into public housing or get a Section 8 voucher to make your rent more affordable, click here to contact your Public Housing Agency to kickstart the application process. Other options you’ll find on the Rental Assistance page include finding a HUD-approved counseling agency, plus where to get rental help in your state.
Section 8 Assist