Due to the pandemic in 2020-21, you may have faced the threat of being evicted from your rental. With the eviction moratorium ending at a federal level and possibly at your state level, it’s essential to know your options for getting rental assistance.
- Negotiate Rent
- Federal Emergency Fund
- State Rental Assistance
- 211.org
- HUD Exchange
Negotiate Rent
If you’ve fallen behind on rent and are concerned about being evicted, talk to your landlord about negotiating your rent payments. Some landlords are open to adjusting your monthly rent to keep you as a tenant vs. having to find a new renter.
After negotiating your monthly rent payment, get the agreement in writing. The agreement must include a timeline of how long you can take advantage of the reduced monthly rental payment and what you’ll pay after the period ends. Will you go back to your original rental agreement or will you be paying more per month for rent? Negotiating your rent with your landlord could help you recover from the economic effects of the pandemic faster.
After negotiating your rent, get the agreement in writing.
Rental Assistance
Over $46 billion was allocated for emergency rental assistance by Congress, as a result of the financial crisis resulting from the pandemic. Apply now to take advantage of the assistance before funds run out.
Over $46 billion was allocated for emergency rental assistance in the U.S.
At a state level, additional rental assistance options also exist. In the state I live in, Montana, there are 4 rental assistance options available. In heavily populated states, there may be as many as 15 rental assistance options. Click here to see local rental assistance options and how they can help you avoid eviction.
211.org is also an excellent resource for getting assistance with rent payments. When you call 211, they can provide you with up-to-date local assistance information to help you avoid being evicted from your rental. Besides helping with rental assistance, 211 can help you find assistance to cover medical expenses, utilities, and food.
211.org helps you find local rent payment assistance and resources to cover the cost of medical expenses, utilities, and food.
Avoiding Homelessness After Eviction
If you’re evicted and left with no housing alternatives, consider reaching out to HUD or take advantage of Just Shelter to find help in your area. Organizations like these not only provide alternative housing, so you don’t go homeless, they also offer resources for improving your chances of finding a home to buy in the future. Take advantage of the funding and rental assistance programs available today and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
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