When planning your monthly budget, you always want to make paying rent your priority. Keeping a roof over your head even takes precedence over other payments, such as credit card bills. But what happens if you realize you just can’t make rent for the upcoming month no matter how far you stretch your budget? Here’s what to do if you can’t pay rent.

Be Proactive

Talk to your landlord or property manager as soon as you realize you’re not going to be able to pay rent for the upcoming month. The sooner they know, they more options you’ll potentially have. If you have a positive history of making your rent payments on time, they may be willing to work with you to set up an extension or payment plan. Just make sure you don’t make any promises you won’t be able to keep. If you go on a payment plan or receive an extension and are still unable to pay, you will find yourself in an even worse situation.

Know Your Rights

Review your lease to see if there is a built-in grace period that allows a few extra days to make your rent payment. Many leasing companies and private landlords provide a 3-5 day grace period that allows tenants extra time to pay rent before fees and late charges begin to accrue. You’ll also want to check into the rules surrounding eviction. These vary by state, and sometimes even by county within each state. You’ll want to know both your rights and the landlord’s rights around eviction, so you’re prepared for that scenario.

If you’re having trouble locating or understanding eviction information for your area, our HUD-certified housing counselors can help you find the information you need and connect you with resources in your area.

Make Some Quick Cash

If you’re just a few hundred dollars shy of being able to make rent, find some ways to make extra money. Pick up extra hours at work, try a side gig like driving for Uber or DoorDash or sell some belongings on a direct selling app like Poshmark or Mercari. You might be able to scrape enough together to make your rent payment after all, and even if you don’t, the extra money will come in handy for other expenses.

Find Helpful Resources

There are many local, state and national affordable housing programs, but getting enrolled and approved can take some time. Visit the National Low Income Housing Coalition as a first step. For short-term assistance, look to local chapters of national nonprofits such as Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army; both offer short-term cash grants for renters in certain circumstances. Or if you belong to a local faith community, talk with someone in the administrative office of your church or temple to see if there’s an in-house fund to assist members with short-term living expenses.

Explore Other Housing Options

If your monthly rent payment has become unmanageable, start looking into alternative living arrangements. If you have the space, explore adding a roommate to split the costs of rent and utilities. Or consider temporarily moving in with a friend or family member who has an extra room. This can give you time to reorganize your finances, save money and look for more affordable housing with less pressure.