What To Do If You Are Struggling With Rent Payments

Falling behind on rent will lead to eviction. Before your landlord shows you the door, you should be able to find a way out to catch up on payments. Inevitable scenarios like a job loss or an unexpected medical bill administer a severe blow to your budget, making it harder to pay rent on time.

Missed payments will also result in losing your credit score if your landlord reports it to credit reference agencies. Of course, you will have to work on your budget, but just slashing your expenses is not enough to release cash for the rent.

What to do if you are struggling with your rent

You will have to work harder to take control of your money. Here are some of the essential tips:

1.  Increase your income

When cash coming in is insufficient to cover all expenses, you should consider increasing your income. Part-time jobs and freelancing will help you earn extra cash.

However, it can be tiring to manage an alternative. Use a budget calculator to see how much gap you are currently facing. If it is not feasible to grab a side gig, try finding a new job with higher pay.

2.  Make the most of your money

Instead of fine-tuning your budget to cover rent arrears, you should calculate how much you can exactly afford to pay. Whittle down your frivolous purchases and then see how much money you can release for your rent payments.

This is important as you might not ace out getting a part-time job alongside or landing a new job with higher pay. Unless you bounce, you will have to walk on a tightrope.

3.  Cut back your expenses

See if there is a scope to slash your expenses. To get started, divide your expenses into avoidable and unavoidable. Since rent is a major expense and falling behind on it can result in eviction, use a brutal approach. Even if you have got to live on a lean budget, just do it.

4.  Talk to your landlord

Before a problem becomes worse, you should nip it in the bud. Do not give yourself false hope that things will pass by the time rent is due. You should rather immediately talk to your landlord about your struggle.

Yes, it can be difficult and, to some extent, embarrassing as well, but they will reframe a repayment plan that agrees with your current financial situation. Your landlord will not blindly trust your words, so show some sincerity while seeking help.

Your landlord will expect you to explain the cause of being late with the rent, how you will address this problem and how long it will take for you to get back in the driving seat. Make sure you do not make false promises in the hope of getting extra favours from your landlord. This will only harm you in the end.

5. Offer a service for a reduced rent

This is practicable when you are renting from a housing body. They have a few jobs that come with housing. You can consider doing them in exchange for a reduced rent.

• You can be a resident assistant in a dormitory.
• Property caretaker
• Housekeeper
• Companion caretaker for the disabled or elderly

Scoring these jobs can help you save some money on rent.

6.  Move out to another location

For all cutting down on your expenses, you may find it harder to adhere to your rent payments. The situation is more desperate when your budget refuses to agree with the new payment plan offered by your landlord.

You should consider moving out. Choose a location more affordable than the current one. Rent varies by location. Even a few miles away can drop the rent. However, extending your commute will bring other forms of expenses like a high gas bill for your car and an expensive bus pass.

What should you do if you are threatened with eviction?

No landlord can expel you straightaway, even if you cannot agree to your landlord’s repayment plan. If they threaten you with eviction, make sure that:

• They give you a warning notice of at least 14 days.
• They give you an eviction notice of 28 days in case you do not clear all arrears within the 14-day period.

You will still have a chance to talk to your landlord to reach an agreement despite getting an eviction notice. If you have a suspicion that your landlord is violating the law, contact Threshold. You can also take free legal advice by contacting FLAC if you cannot afford the fees of a solicitor.

What are the solutions to pay rent?

Suppose you are renting from a private landlord. In that case, you are eligible for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, administered by local authorities to help people struggling with rent by paying directly to landlords.

You will be allowed to make paltry payments more frequently, subject to your affordability. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria to enrol for the HAP scheme.

If your arrears do not amount to much, you can also consider taking out a quick loan. However, this will come as an additional expense because of interest payments, so be cautious or else the cost will quickly add up.

Some people fund unsecured loans in Ireland to cover the arrears, but it is suggested that you should treat it as a last resort.

If you are renting from a housing body, make sure you are not overcharged. Rent is higher for those living with grown-up children and their partners. Tell the housing body if your circumstances are no longer the same as they were before.

The final comment

Government help is out there if you are struggling with your rent payment, but you should consider other ways too. The first priority should be working on your budget and talking to your landlord.