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I can't pay my rent
Get your emergency POA in action.
If you have found yourself in a financial pickle and can’t afford this month’s rent, try not to panic. Before you totally freak out, have a look at these tips.
- Visit MABS for some advice on budgeting and on the law. They also hold legal clinics around the country on a monthly basis, so you can chat with a qualified solicitor.
- Have a read through your lease. There may be specific terms in it that detail how long you can be late with the rent, without being kicked out. You may be able to buy yourself some more time.
- Think about borrowing the money from someone like a parent, best friend or partner. Pride is all very well and good, but it is no substitute for a warm bed.
- Talk to your landlord. They’re not all heartless money grubbers, and if he/she knows you are trying your best, they may be willing to wait for the money.
- Ask your landlord if you could pay a portion of the rent. This way, he still gets some money and can clearly see that you are not trying to scam him out of rent. Let him know when you will be able to pay the rest of it. Bear in mind that your landlord wants to do what he can to avoiding you moving out, as he most likely needs your rent to pay the mortgage on the property you are living in. Even if he does get a good replacement tenant, it usually takes a while. Make sure to point out such arguments to him.
- Raise some quick cash. If working, see if you can pull some overtime. If not in formal employment, see if you can do some jobs for family or friends like babysitting, gardening, cleaning, cooking, or dog walking. Every little bit helps.
- Pawn broking. Again, this is truly for desperate times, but if you have something valuable, you can pawn it and get some much needed cash. When you pawn something, it means that the pawn brokers will pay you a set fee for an item and then store the item in their shop for a certain period of time. You usually have about six or so months to come back and collect the item. The item is used as collateral in case you default on the loan. Also, interest is charged on the loan at a daily rate.
- Swallow your pride and contact an organisation such as St. Vincent De Paul. They specialise in helping people with financial difficulties. Many churches also help people struggling with essential needs like rent.
- Couch surf. If all else fails, see if you can hit up your friends for their couches and live there for a while until you get back on your feet. If you feel embarrassed about sleeping on a friend’s couch, offer to do some cleaning or cooking for your friend.
- Did we mention it would be good to contact MABS?!
Further Information:
MABS
St. Vincent De Paul
Rent supplement
