The rent is probably your biggest monthly expense, and other than food, you could argue that it’s the most important. It can be tough to survive without a roof over your head, which is why paying your rent on time should be one of your top priorities.
Why do so many have trouble paying rent in a timely manner? Because it’s expensive, and nowadays, everything else is becoming so costly that our budgets are having a hard time keeping up.
If you find yourself having rent issues, here are some resources that can save the day.
Esusu Rent Relief
We begin with a program that works differently from most rental assistance options since it offers loans to help those with rent issues. And while you may want to avoid loans, know this: Esusu offers them with zero percent interest, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank just to get a helping hand.
The way Esusu works is quick and painless. You visit their website to fill out an application for a rent relief loan. Within five to seven days, you’ll receive (hopefully) approval. Once approved, your rent relief payment will go directly to your landlord, so you can stay in your home. Then, it’s your responsibility to pay that zero-interest loan back.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The ERA Program has billions in funding to help people negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. If you can prove that you lost a job or income or had other issues affecting your ability to pay rent due to COVID-19, you could qualify for assistance with past and future rent payments, plus help paying utility bills and any moving expenses.
Local Programs
Many people prefer to seek rental assistance from nationwide programs like the one listed above. While that’s a smart move, don’t forget about the possibility of local programs either. Many cities, counties, and states have rental assistance programs to help residents in need.
There are two ways to find local rent assistance programs. First, visit this link. Then, try a Google search of your own for “rent assistance” or “rent relief” in your city, county, and state to see what pops up.
Charities
Although this varies according to location, some charities like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities may offer rental assistance. Visit both of those links to find your local chapters and give them a call to see if this is an option near you.
Housing Choice Vouchers
Give the other rental assistance options on this list a try to get quick help with paying your rent.
And to avoid issues later on, opt for long-term rental assistance through Housing Choice Vouchers (aka Section 8). With these vouchers, you will only have to pay a small portion of your income towards the rent, with the government paying the rest.
To get started with your application, find your Public Housing Agency here.
Section 8 Assist
