Can't Pay Rent: What You Can Do Anywhere in the U.S.

1. You do not have to move out just because rent is late. In most states, your landlord must first win a court case, called an eviction. Only law enforcement can carry out the court's move-out order.

   Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School Wex: landlord-tenant law, evictions paragraph

   This rule depends on where you live. See the states and cities we cover.

2. State and local programs may have money to help you pay rent and other bills. Contact your state to find emergency rent help. Each state has its own rules for who qualifies. Apply early, because the money can take several weeks to arrive.

   USAGov, U.S. General Services Administration Get emergency rent assistance Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tip about timing

   This rule depends on where you live. See the states and cities we cover.

3. Each state writes its own rules for late rent and eviction. The notice you get, the deadlines, and the court steps all differ across states. Check your state's guide for your exact rules.

   Legal Services Corporation Page subtitle

   This rule depends on where you live. See the states and cities we cover.

4. Contact your landlord in writing as soon as you know you cannot pay in full. Ask about a payment plan. Landlords very rarely prefer an eviction case over getting the rent.

   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau If an eviction lawsuit has NOT been filed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Managing rent payments

5. Offer a plan with clear numbers. You can ask to move the due date or split rent into 2 smaller payments each month. You can ask to pay a smaller amount for a few months. You can ask to spread back rent over 6 to 12 months. You can also ask your landlord to give up late fees while you pay the agreed amount.

   RenterLaw editorial Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Options table: Waive late fee

6. If you reach a deal, get the plan in writing before you make a payment. Put every promise in it, such as dropped late fees. Keep a copy.

   RenterLaw editorial Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Record your agreement

7. If you get eviction court papers, respond to them. Do not move out and do not ignore them. You have the right to file a written answer telling the court your side. Say in your answer if you applied for rent help. The judge may delay or dismiss the case because you are trying to get help.

   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau File an answer

8. Call 211 to find rent help near you. A local 211 specialist can tell you which programs serve your area.

   United Way Worldwide (211) Powered by people Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Contact 211

9. If your building has a federally backed mortgage or is in certain federal housing programs, federal law adds time. In those homes, your landlord cannot require you to move out until 30 days after giving you that letter. This rule comes from the CARES Act.

   U.S. Code via Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School 15 U.S.C. § 9058(c)(1)

10. Service members have extra protection. Your landlord needs a court order to evict you or your dependents during your military service. You can also ask the court to pause an eviction for up to 90 days.

    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau You may qualify for free legal help U.S. Code via Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School 50 U.S.C. § 3951(a)(1)

11. Federal law protects abuse survivors in federally assisted housing. This covers victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. If your housing is in a covered federal program, your landlord cannot evict you for being a victim.

    U.S. Code via Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School 34 U.S.C. § 12491(b)(1)

12. An eviction filing or unpaid rent sent to collection can appear on your credit and tenant screening reports. Many landlords check a tenant screening report before renting to you. Negative records can make it harder to rent your next home and can raise your security deposit.

    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Errors on your tenant screening reports

13. Federal law limits how rent debt can be collected. A lawyer or collection agency collecting back rent may count as a debt collector under federal law. A debt collector cannot use unfair, false, or abusive methods against you.

    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Your rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

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