Emergency Loans for Rent – Best Options for Housing Assistance

Emergency Loans for Rent – Best Options for Housing Assistance

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9 Min Read

Have you ever experienced this scary feeling when you realize you don’t have enough money to pay your rent this month? Unfortunately, everyone can find themselves in a situation like this. You may need to pay rent tomorrow, but the money is not enough to cover a rent payment. So loans for rent can help you bridge the gap and put you back on track.

Even if you have bad credit or are temporarily unemployed, there are ways to borrow money to solve your housing problems. In this article, we’ll learn more about emergency cash loans that you can use to pay rent. Also, we will give you a few alternative options to consider. Let’s start with the understanding of why it is important to make your rent payments on time.

How Can Delays in Paying Rent Affect Me?

Being late on your rent payments may cause serious problems in the future that will bother you for years. The first and one of the most common penalties that you will suffer is late fees. Each state or rental company can have its fine collection rules. Some of them set a fixed amount that you will be obliged to pay in case of delay, while others apply a percentage of your overall rent. Also, there may be a daily fee that sums up and grows day by day until you make your whole rent payment.

A landlord may start an eviction process if the non-payment period is within the legal terms. The legal period is set individually for each state. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have created an eviction moratorium. However, it doesn’t exempt you from paying the debt. You will be obliged to pay rent in accordance with your rental agreement after your postponement ends.

Keep in mind that late rent payments are always the reason for your credit history deterioration. It happens because landlords usually inform major credit bureaus about your default on a monthly rent check. And what is more, your late payments stay on your credit report for seven years. It means that you may face problems with getting a personal loan or renting a new apartment in the future. This way, you’d better seek financial assistance before the situation reaches the point of no return.

loan for rent assistance

What Are Loans for Paying Rent?

If you cannot eliminate or postpone some expenses to pay your rent on time, getting a loan for rent may be your one and only option. There are various types of rental assistance and plenty of financial institutions that offer rent loans. However, some types of loans mentioned below can be costly. Because of this, you should consider your options carefully and make sure you can afford rent loans before obtaining one. Here are examples of emergency eviction loans that you can move forward with.

Unsecured Personal Loans

An unsecured personal loan is a form of debt without any security deposit. Most unsecured personal loans have an installment structure. They allow you to make partial payments within the agreed loan terms, which can be up to 60 months. The exact term depends on the loan type. An unsecured loan for rent often requires you to have a good credit history and sufficient monthly income to get it. An unsecured personal installment loan usually comes with a hard credit check. Thus, your credit score may go down.

Secured Personal Loans

If you’re looking for an affordable loan to pay your rent, secured loans can be just what you need. Although these loans require a security deposit, they come with lower interest charges. A secured personal loan is a widespread form of borrowing. You can get it from both traditional lending institutions and private direct lenders. Secured loans may be a great alternative to unsecured debt for people with imperfect credit. However, you must be an owner of a property to get this type of emergency rent loan. Bear in mind that a lender can confiscate your asset if you fail on your loan payments.

Credit Card Cash Advances

If you have a credit card, you can use the amount within your credit limits to cover the cost of your monthly rent. Just make sure your landlord or property management company accepts credit cards. Ask if there are any fees it charges additionally and pay attention to the APR on your credit card.

Even if your rental company doesn’t accept this payment method, it’s not a verdict yet. You can consider a bill-payment service that allows you to digitally pay any bills using your credit card.

Payday Loans

A payday loan is a short-term loan that represents a cash advance you can get from an online direct lender till your next paycheck. These emergency loans are known for being accessible with bad credit. That is why many people use them when they cannot get a loan from a bank or credit union. Moreover, you can get a payday loan if you’re unemployed. It doesn’t matter whether you are paid by your employer or receive money from federal government assistance. You just need to prove your steady income.

Short-term loans till payday typically come with several limits. The maximum loan amount you can get is usually $1,000, and your loan terms can’t exceed 30 days. Also, interest rates on payday loans are typically higher than average.

Is It a Good Idea to Take out a Loan for Rent Assistance?

Getting an emergency loan to cover your rent payments may be a good idea. Of course, if you’re sure that you can repay the loan quickly. Iit can be a great option when you find a new job and need to pay a landlord for the first month until you get your salary. If you have moved to a new apartment, a short-term loan can help you cover the monthly rent until the previous landlord returns the deposit.

But keep in mind that obtaining an emergency rent loan may also be a bad idea. For example, when you’re unemployed or already have a high debt burden. These factors make it problematic to repay your rent loan quickly. Remember that rental loans incur extra late fees that may cost you much and make your loan unaffordable.

rent payment loan

How To Get a Loan to Pay Rent?

The process of obtaining a loan usually varies. It depends on the lender and the kind of cash advance you choose. However, there are some things in common. Here are the basic steps to take to apply for loans for rent:

  • Find a lender with a deal that meets your needs. Compare several offers before making a final decision, and pay attention to terms, interest rates, and fees.
  • Make sure you meet the requirements. In most cases, you need to be an adult and provide a confirmation of your US citizenship. Also, you need to have an active bank account and prove you have a steady income.
  • Apply for a loan. In most cases, you will be asked to fill out an online application form. Some loans may require extra actions, like faxing or visiting a store.
  • Get approved. After getting your loan request, a lender makes all the required verifications. If you’re eligible, it sends you a loan offer.
  • Sign a loan agreement. But review it first to make sure all the terms and conditions are transparent.
  • Receive emergency rent money. A direct deposit will be made within the agreed terms, usually one business for emergency options.

Actions to Take When You Need Money for Rent

If you want to stay away from any form of debt, there are still a few options you can turn to. Here are alternatives to a rent payment loan.

Turn to Charity Organizations

There are various charities that offer housing assistance. They work mostly for people who get into financial difficulties or lose their houses. Contact America’s Best Local Charities to learn more about such organizations in your area.

Consider Rent Assistance Programs

Emergency rental assistance can be provided by the government too. It differs from state to state, with the specific requirements that you must meet to get it. Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to find out what rental assistance program is available to you.

Get a Side Job

If the problem appears systematically, you are probably living beyond your means. However, it is not always possible to find cheaper housing. In this case, consider increasing your income and getting a side job to grow your cash flow. You can find a remote job, try freelancing, or consider any other ways of making money fast.

Search for a Roommate

Consider adding a roommate to cut your rent. It’s a good option if your housing space is appropriate for two people. But first, make sure the landlord has nothing against it.

Things to Do Next

Although loans for rent can help you out in a difficult situation, it’s not a good idea to use them month by month. Therefore, it is important to learn a lesson after the first difficulty is solved. You should take the right measures so that you don’t drive yourself into a debt cycle later.

The best way to prevent a repeat is to create an emergency fund. Try to rethink your budget and set aside money each month, even if the amount will be small at first. Of course, there will always be companies that are willing to help you. But it’s better to create a financial cushion and get prepared for the future. Consider rethinking your budget instead of looking for emergency funding each month.

FAQ

I Need Rent Money Immediately. What Is The Fastest Rent Payment Loan to Get?

Most short-term loans, such as payday loans, are considered the fastest way to get emergency money. They usually offer money transfers within one business day. However, they often have high interest rates, so you’d better use them only as a last resort.

Who Can Help Me Pay Rent?

You can seek help from a charity organization or apply for a rent assistance program. You can also borrow money from your family members or turn to your friends. Another option is to consider getting quick cash from various direct lenders. Search for banks, credit unions, or online lending companies with the appropriate offers.

Can I Get a Rent Loan with Bad Credit?

The short answer is yes, you can. Borrowers with poor credit have a few ways to get money for rent. If you’re a person with credit issues, consider secured loans or apply for a payday loan with no credit check. But first, learn more about available options and make sure you can afford this debt.

Get assistance for rent with flexible and affordable loan options!Apply

Kerry Vetter

Written by Kerry Vetter

Written by Kerry Vetter

Kerry is a finance expert thanks to her Boston College education during the 1990s. Today she shares this valuable knowledge through the pen and online from her home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The years of experience results in relevant, practical and wise advice.