How to Get and Stay Current on Your Rent Bills

March 10, 2022

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In 2020, the temporary national eviction moratorium provided some relief to millions of struggling renters. But when it came to an end in October 2021, despite countless ongoing COVID-related income concerns, many were left worrying about what would happen next.

So, how many people are behind on rent? And what can you do about it if you’re one of them? While there’s no longer a moratorium preventing eviction proceedings, there are financial planning tips and national or state-based resources that can help.

Break Out Your Budget

With all the budgeting advice going around out there, it can start to feel like you’re listening to a broken record. But we’re all talking about it for a reason. Having your budget written or typed out somewhere and regularly revisiting it is essential to your financial health.

So, break out that budget and see if it can be updated or adjusted to help you get back on track. Is there anything that can be taken away to reduce your overall expenses, like canceling unused subscriptions? Can you save on groceries by following a budget-friendly meal plan?

Or is there anything that you’re overpaying for that could potentially be lowered?

Negotiate What’s Negotiable

Some of our most common bills can be negotiated. Auto insurance, renters’ insurance, and cell phone bills are a few examples. Call your providers and politely ask them if you’re eligible for any discounts. For example, if you’re working from home or driving fewer miles than you used to, you may be eligible for a usage-based discount on your insurance.

If you don’t have any luck negotiating discounts on your bills, consider switching providers to lock in cheaper rates. Experts recommend browsing your insurance options every six months, as rates fluctuate frequently, and you may get a better deal elsewhere.

Saving what you can is the easiest way to start getting caught up. When you run out of ways to move the needle this way, it’s time to turn to making more money and identifying potential external resources.

Cut the Clutter

When you’re behind on your bills, there are two benefits of spending a day or two decluttering. One is that it can help you make a little extra income to move in the right direction, and the other is that decluttering can be emotionally cleansing and help reduce stress.

Old clothes that are still in good condition and unused toys, electronics, games, and more can be sold online to make a quick extra buck and help you get caught up.

Earn Extra Income

Earning extra income might mean picking up extra hours at work, negotiating a raise, or spending some time on a side hustle outside of work hours. Uber Eats is always looking for delivery drivers, and Instacart needs shoppers and drivers, too.

Online tutoring is a side hustle that you can work into your schedule from the comfort of your own home, as are transcription, freelancing, and reselling. If you’re expecting a tax refund and haven’t filed yet, now would also be a good time to get a jump on your tax return.

Rent Out a Room

Now, this option won’t work for everyone. It may be difficult if you have young children, limited space, or other restraints. As a renter, your lease may also explicitly state that you can’t sublet any unused space to additional renters.

But if you have the space and your landlord allows it, renting out an extra room can help significantly cut your portion of the housing expenses. If you decide to rent out some space, we recommend using a service like Airbnb that runs background checks on potential guests.

Take Advantage of Renter Resources

If the end of the rent moratorium has left you scrambling, there are several financial moves left to make. The steps listed above can help you move your money in the right direction. But what do you do when these steps aren’t enough?

Our last recommendation for getting and staying current on your rent bills is to take advantage of any available renter resources, including:

Calling 211 for information on local programs that may be able to help
Search the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) database for local rental assistance programs
Talk to a local legal aid attorney

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Spotloan is a brand owned by BlueChip Financial ("BlueChip"), a tribally-owned entity organized under and governed by the laws of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, a federally recognized Indian tribe (the "Tribe"). BlueChip is located on, operates within, and originates and services loans from the Tribe’s reservation. Though Spotloans are available to residents of certain states, consumers should know that BlueChip’s lending license is issued by the Tribe's Lending Commission, and not by the states in which its consumers may reside. Although the visitation is electronic, consumers are coming on to the Tribe’s reservation and subject to the Tribe’s jurisdiction to obtain a Spotloan.