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Yes, it’s possible to get a short-term loan to cover rent in an emergency. However, borrowing money to pay for rent isn’t ideal: It can lead to a cycle of debt that could put you in a worse financial situation. Instead, you might want to consider alternatives first, such as negotiating with your landlord or applying for housing assistance.
Yes, you can use a loan to help cover rent if you’re facing eviction — but you might want to contact a lawyer to discuss your options first. They can help you determine whether your landlord violated any of your tenant rights during the eviction process. And they might be able to help you find an alternative way to cover your rent so you don’t need to borrow.
A lawyer doesn’t always have to cost, either. Reach out to local legal aid organizations and ask if they have free representation services.
A short-term loan is best saved as a last resort. Here are eight other options to look into before taking out a payday loan to cover rent:
Depending on the program, you might be asked to provide some or all of the following:
If you’re waiting to see if you’ve been approved for housing assistance but still need to cover your back rent, follow these steps to apply for a short-term loan:
Or, search for payday loan locations in your area, which may be able to fund your loan the same day you apply.
While the information you need to provide will vary by lender, most will ask for the following:
Although emergencies can feel inevitable, here are a few measures you can take to avoid needing a short-term loan for rent in the future:
If you’re facing an emergency and don’t have enough money for rent, you might want to first look into housing assistance offered by government agencies and local charities. Still short on funds? Look into these payday loan alternatives before turning to your short-term loan options.
Answers to common questions about rent emergencies.
How long can I go without paying rent?
Laws vary by state, and your landlord may have their own terms set out in your contract. You might want to speak to an attorney to get help specific to your situation.
Should I hire a tenants’ rights attorney?
A tenants’ rights attorney might be helpful if your landlord is violating the terms of your lease. Check out the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s tenant rights page for a list of state-specific resources.
What if I use my student loans to pay rent?
Federal and private student loans can be used to pay for room and board, which includes rent payments for on- and off-campus housing.
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