 TITLE: What to Do if You Can’t Afford to Pay Rent CONTENT: Speak With Your Landlord Before You Miss a Payment\n--------------------------------------------------\nIf you're struggling to pay your rent, the first step you take should be to talk with your landlord or property manager to explain the situation and ask for help. They may be willing to work with you if you have a good relationship and have been on time with rent payments in the past. And even if your relationship with your landlord is strained, it's never too late to rebuild trust by being transparent about your situation. Many property owners would rather not evict a tenant and risk a unit sitting empty, so being proactive about your situation could help you secure a workable solution.\nThe key here is in the timing: Make sure you contact your landlord or property manager as soon as possible so you can work out a solution together. If you wait until after you miss a payment, you could wind up making the situation worse. Communicate early and often about what's happening and your landlords or property managers might be more willing to help. END