How to Pay Rent When You Can’t Afford It

When your rent due date is approaching, and you realize you are short on cash, it can be an incredibly stressful experience. The question is, how do you pay your rent when there simply isn’t enough cash available? With some financial creativity, you may be able to cover the gap and get through to next month.

Learn what you should do when you realize you can’t afford your rent payments and what can happen if you don’t pay your rent on time. 

How to pay rent when you can’t afford it

 If you can’t afford your rent payments, there are some steps you should take.

Call your landlord before you miss the payment

Landlords understand that tenants sometimes encounter financial hardship and may be late on rent payments. There is no point in hiding from this conversation, even if it’s uncomfortable. Instead, reach out to your landlord before rent is due and let them know your situation. 

Calling your landlord isn’t about seeking sympathy or asking them to reduce your rent. The goal is to let them know what you are doing to resolve the situation. 

If you know when you’ll be able to make the rent payment, tell them when to expect it. However, if you aren’t sure when you’ll be able to pay due to a job loss or other financial hardship, be honest about that as well. 

Apply for emergency rental assistance

Some state and federal programs provide emergency assistance to tenants. These offerings can give you money to help pay your rent when you are short on cash. Most rental assistance programs have strict income eligibility requirements, which means not everyone will qualify. 

A quick online search is one of the easiest ways to see what’s available in your area. Read the eligibility requirements to see if you may qualify. Many of these programs can give you an answer quickly, although it may not be soon enough to meet your rent payment deadline. 

Look into local nonprofit and community programs

Nonprofits and churches can be a great resource when you fall on hard financial times. These organizations help the community in a variety of ways, such as by providing grocery money or assisting with rent. 

You don’t have to be a member of the nonprofit organization or church to qualify. Simply reach out and determine what assistance they can provide to you.  

There’s nothing to be ashamed of. These entities offer judgment-free help to those in need. Be honest about the struggles you are facing and the sort of help you need. 

Use a cash advance app to cover a short-term gap

If you are a little short on your rent payment and need extra cash until payday, a cash advance app can be the ideal solution to your problem. Cash advance apps like Grant Cash Advance can give eligible users access to $25 to $500. You are borrowing against money you’ve already earned and will automatically repay it on your next payday. 

Cash advance apps are a great option if you are facing a one-time shortage due to unexpected expenses, such as a repair or medical bill. You can pay your rent on time, avoid late fees, and get caught up. 

Ask family or friends for a temporary loan

If you are short on rent and none of the other solutions are an option for you, consider borrowing from family or friends. Be honest about the situation you are facing and outline a plan for repaying them. For example, you may repay them over four pay periods. 

What happens if you don’t pay rent on time?

Missing a single rent payment by a few days can result in late fees. But if you miss several consecutive payments or stop paying altogether, it can kick off a series of escalating consequences that could leave you without a place to live. 

The good news is that you won’t be put out on the street the moment your rent is late. You will have an opportunity to get caught up and make arrangements. 

However, it’s important to realize that the expenses pile up the longer it takes you to pay your rent. That’s why you should be upfront with your landlord and do everything possible to stay ahead on your bills. 

Late fees and notices

Most landlords offer a grace period for tenants. You won’t accrue late fees the moment your rent becomes past due. 

However, the length of your grace period will vary, depending on your landlord’s policies and the laws in your state. You may have as little as three days to pay your rent before acquiring late fees, whereas other areas could provide a grace period of one to two weeks.

Typically, you’ll receive a late rent notice the day after your due date. If you are enrolled for SMS or email alerts, your landlord will likely notify you electronically. They may also post a notice on your door. 

The eviction process and your rights

If you miss several consecutive rent payments, your landlord can begin the eviction process. However, they cannot simply change the locks while you aren’t there. Landlords are obligated to go through the courts and complete a series of steps, which vary by state.

As a tenant, you have certain rights that are meant to protect you from unfair eviction processes. Make sure you know your rights in your state. Once you are issued a legally enforceable eviction notice, you will have to start vacating the residence. 

How to protect yourself from this situation in the future

Knowing how to pay rent when you can’t afford it is helpful, but it’s even better to prevent yourself from being in the same crunch in the future. Some strategies include:

• Building a budget to track your money 
• Eliminating wasteful spending to create breathing room
• Creating an emergency savings fund
• Looking for ways to increase your income
• Exploring more affordable places to live

There aren’t any one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to paying your rent. If you are already living in an affordable location that is convenient for work or school, moving may not be an option. Instead, you should focus on eliminating wasteful spending and creating a savings account to protect yourself from future shortages. 

Explore Grant Cash Advance eligibility 

When exploring how to pay rent when you can’t afford it, the primary factor is whether you are a bit short on rent or if you are far behind on payments. 

If you need a little extra cash to cover the gap until payday, Grant Cash Advance can be a great solution. Our technology platform offers eligible users access to $25 to $500 via standard or expedited delivery. 

Grant Cash Advance Plus members gain access to additional perks, such as the bills and spending tab. Use this feature to visualize your spending habits and work toward better financial stability so you can avoid being short on rent in the future. 

Cover your bills fast with a Grant Cash Advance — no credit check required.