Get Help With Rent

Whether you need to get help with rent over the short run or the long haul, there's no shame in it. Shake any fatalistic thoughts that may have snuck into your mind during an emo moment, (whilst you bemoaned the mortgage-rivaling price of rent) and take solace in your options. A decent range of mind-calming solutions are available that may even contain silver-lining.

1. Don't beat yourself up; redirect your energy toward assessing your freelance potential. Can your rental make money for you? If you can freelance within your space and generate a second income, your long-term concerns may be over in the month or two you'll need to set up a side venture.
2. You've got plenty of options to sift through. Maybe your loft is a photographer's dream-dream enough to win you an hourly fee for its use. Could be you have a large room you rarely use that a weekly book club would gladly fork over a few pesos to congregate in. If you think yourself more of a born salesman-who blends a mean dip- you might do well using the space to hold demonstrations for some lucky company's product line.
3. Can you barter regular services with your landlord to bring down the monthly rent? Maybe you were once a security guard for a brief stint in uniformed employment, and you're fairly sure your landlord wouldn't mind promoting a security service during certain hours for the building. If you're especially handy, you might alternatively enjoy a significant reduction in your rent assisting other tenants on your landlord's behalf.
4. Would your landlord allow you to move to a cheaper space with less rooms sans penalty? If you're not blasting the karaoke on Fridays, or streaking the neighborhood after you've had one too many; your landlord will likely prefer to keep you on rather than lose you as a tenant. If you have a rapport with your landlord this may be a very easy discussion to have that ends favorably for both of you.
5. If your lease allows it, renting a room may be a recourse. Bear in mind, you'll likely be held responsible for any damages incurred if your idiot-detector malfunctions the day you interview your boarder. If you follow your gut, however, and your lease permits, a boarder could provide the ideal solution if your needs are fairly immediate.
6. Should worse come to worst, swallow your pride, and look into the local assistance programs in your area. Applying for heating assistance can save you a good 200.00 a month-during the winter season-that can be applied directly to your rent rather than utilities. In more dire situations, temporary food assistance is another option for redirecting funds to your shelter needs. For very long-term cases, look into rental assistance. Every state has it. If you're in financial need, there's a program for you. There are even organizations that provide lump-sum grants, which come in particularly handy if your need is situation-based and potentially very temporary.