COVID-19 has been a disaster for many. Countless people lost their job, and everyday expenses became an uphill battle. Rent was one of those, and bans on evictions were necessary to keep people from homelessness.
Today, we can say everything has improved noticeably. Lockdowns have eased, and many workers have been returning to their jobs. The promise of a vaccine offers nothing but hope for things to go back to normal.
However, that doesn’t mean everything is fine. Recovery is a long road, and countless people still struggle to meet basic expenses. Rent is one of those, and if your due date is coming—and you don’t have any money—you’re in the right place.
A reality for many: Common strategies you can use
ABC News already covered this subject last year. Their report goes through the case of a single mom who lost her job amid lockdowns. Unfortunately, that's a prevalent story these days, but her solution shows there's always an option.
In her case, she ran a crowdfunding campaign to help her pay rent. Thankfully, it succeeded, and she managed to remain in her apartment without having to resort to debt. Luckily, chances are you won’t need to go that far.
Free options
Naturally, our priority is not to spend any money. You can reevaluate your budgeting to find room for savings. That includes lowering your 401(k) contributions, reducing non-essential spending, and finding low-income programs.
You can also reach out to your landlord. Today, many property managers have implemented the latest management technologies, enabling better communications, like Yardi and MRI. If they don’t have one, you can try calling them. Reaching out for friends, subletting (if applicable) and applying for grants are also excellent options.
Investing wisely
Now, investing money vital for your future should be one of the last things you try. However, that's all we can do, sometimes. If that's the case, you can consider selling stocks if you have any or acquire 401(k) eligible financing and loans.
Relief funds and other financing programs have provided critical capital for countless individuals and families. It would be best if you considered how you could invest this money only in an emergency.
High-interest financing
If you lack a good credit score, your only option is likely high-interest debt. That's the real last-ditch effort, but again, you shouldn't panic if this is your case. The first step is to find the least expensive options and try those first.
For instance, you can borrow against a credit card limit. Similarly, you could try to pay your rent with credit. Finally, cash advances should be your last resort, especially considering their impact on your credit score.
How has the coronavirus made everything different?
Similarly, The Washington Post also provides plenty of tips for tenants with trouble paying rent. It also makes an interesting comparison in its introduction: this situation is very similar to 2008’s financial crisis.
However, the amount of aid available during COVID-19 has been substantial in contrast. It's worth considering that the unemployment benefit applications have been a record high during COVID-19.
The US Great Recession was a lesson
The crucial difference between the mentioned crisis and coronavirus is that financial institutions have learned a vital lesson. The unemployment levels have been staggering, and the repercussions are more significant.
Many experts believe there's a lot more risk with COVID-19. Therefore, it's in everyone's best interests to make sure they help as many as possible.
What have financial institutions offered?
The ABA (American Bankers Association) compiled a series of steps for banks to tackle COVID-19. It includes avoiding late fees on mortgages and other loans for extended periods. The same holds for the record-low interest rates.
On the other hand, the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) also announced loan deferrals for property owners who don’t evict tenants. It’s been available only for multifamily properties with Fannie and Freddie mortgages, but that already accounts for 43% of the sector.
What can mortgage holders do?
A mortgage is a rent for homeowners, and thankfully, they also have plenty of options. The first step is to contact loan providers to determine if you're eligible for foreclosure suspension and similar benefits.
Additionally, remember to research COVID-19 response measures in your area. Some areas offer loan repayments and assistance for some instances. It could also be worth seeking help to calculate your mortgage and distribution.
The do’s and don'ts of late rent
Finally, law magazine NOLO also provides excellent advice for troubled renters. It’s vital to remember that eviction moratoriums don’t mean you’re not obliged to abide by your rent. Your landlord could still leverage interest and similar penalties.
If you're worried about not paying rent, the most critical strategy is to bring out the topic first—all the tips from the article point toward this recommendation.
Reach out to your landlord
Your landlord is likely going through similar financial turmoil, especially if they're dealing with mortgages. They'll likely understand your situation, and they'll appreciate tenants who don't merely take advantage of eviction bans.
Don't ignore it
It can be scary to bring out late rent to your landlord. Many tenants choose to ignore their late rents, usually hoping that landlords will forget about it. That's one of the worst things you can do, significantly since it can tarnish your relationship.
Don’t send bouncing checks
Nevertheless, nothing is more infuriating for landlords than having a rent check bounce. If you issue a check like that (or without signing it) can entitle your landlord to enforce fees on your late rent.