Written by: Matt Walker
Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker
Key Takeaways
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Personal loans can allow borrowers to meet their rent obligations in an emergency, but shouldn't be a frequent option.
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The government and many independent agencies offer rental assistance programs to help keep people in their homes.
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If you know you'll be late on your rent, contact your landlord immediately. A little communication could go a long way and potentially help avoid legal action.
The start of a new month brings great possibilities, a fresh budget, renewed goals — and a lot of bills to pay. And, oftentimes, no bill eats up more monthly income than rent.
It can sometimes seem like a necessary evil, especially if you’re dealing with an unanticipated expense or emergency that left you short on funds for the month.
No matter why you need help, though, several online resources and lenders specialize in emergency loans for rent payments. These resources can help to ensure a big bill doesn’t turn into a mountain of debt after late fees and other penalties.
Have a look below at some of our experts’ selections for the top lenders for personal loans. We’ll also explore emergency rent assistance programs and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this issue.
Emergency Cash Loans For Rent Payments
Most landlords aren’t big fans of waiting for their monthly rent check. Being just a day or two late can result in late fees and penalties that make a hard-to-pay bill even more difficult to manage.
But, if you have a steady income, there are lenders that work to process emergency cash loans quickly so you can pay your bills without incurring extra late fees. And many of these lenders, including those listed below, work with borrowers who have damaged or thin credit profiles.
- Personal loans from $500 to $35,000
- All credit types are considered and welcome
- Simple, no credit impact form
- Helping consumers since 2001
- 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating with 2,000+ reviews!
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $35,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 60 Days to 72 Months | See representative example |
The 24/7 Lending Group is another personal loan network that can help match you with an emergency rent loan. Simply fill out a quick form that will ask about your personal information and household income. You may be matched with multiple loan offers, and there is never any obligation to accept an offer.
2. Avant
- Personal loans of $2,000 to $35,000
- Compare rates in 2 minutes without affecting your credit
- Best for low origination fees for bad credit
- 550 minimum credit score required
- Powered by Credible
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 to $35,000 | 9.95% - 35.99% | 12 to 60 Months | See representative example |
Avant’s minimum loan amount is $2,000, so this network can help if your rent payment is on the higher side, or you could use a little extra to get you by. Loans can be directly deposited into your bank account as soon as tomorrow so you can pay your rent on time.
3. Upstart
- Personal loans starting at $1,000
- Find loans you prequalify for, complete your application, and close your loan
- Loans for 300+ FICO Scores
- Checking rates doesn't impact your credit score
- Powered by Credible
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 to $50,000 | 6.40% - 35.99% | 3 or 5 Years | See representative example |
Upstart uses AI to help increase loan approvals by as much as 44% compared to traditional lending models. It isn’t a direct lender but, instead, a loan network that partners with more than 100 banks and credit unions to help you quickly and easily secure a loan to help you pay rent.
4. MoneyMutual
- Short-term loans up to $5,000
- Online marketplace of lenders
- Funds available in as few as 24 hours
- Simple online form takes less than 5 minutes
- Trusted by more than 2 million customers
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | Varies | Varies | See representative example |
Money Mutual is an online lending marketplace, meaning it takes your application and shops it to a host of lenders to find the best potential loan offer for your needs and credit background. The network’s lenders offer short-term loans of up to $5,000 with no application fee. After a brief five-minute application process, you could be matched with multiple loan offers that extend approval in minutes and funding in as little as 24 hours.
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Get connected with a lender
- Simple form & quick funding
- Get your money as soon as next the business day, if approved
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $10,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 60 Months | See representative example |
As its name suggests, BadCreditLoans.com works specifically with consumers who have bad credit, and it has more than 20 years of experience working with its network of lenders that provide loans ranging from $500 to $10,000. Applicants must be US citizens with an active checking account from which lenders can withdraw payments. Other than that, the BadCreditLoans.com lending network has one of the most flexible acceptance policies among all bad credit lending networks.
- Small personal loans starting at $100
- Receive an approval decision in as little as 2 minutes
- Funds can be deposited into your account in one business day and used for any purpose
- No hidden fees
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 to $20,000 | Varies | Varies | See representative example |
As long as you earn $1,000 per month and have a bank account, SmartAdvances.com can help you secure a quick personal loan you can use to pay your rent. It takes up to one business day for the funds to clear in your bank account, so plan accordingly with your landlord or property management company.
7. CashUSA.com
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Receive a loan decision in minutes
- Get funds directly to your bank account
- Use the loan for any purpose
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $10,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 72 Months | See representative example |
If you need a larger loan and a little more time to pay, CashUSA.com offers personal installment loans of up to $10,000 through an extensive network of partner lenders. Loan terms depend on the applicant’s credit history and loan type, and approved borrowers can receive funding in as little as one business day.
- Get up to $5,000 as soon as tomorrow
- Easy to use & only takes a few minutes
- Instant answers from lenders who want to work with you
- Funds deposited directly into your account
- All credit types welcome — good or bad
- See official site, terms, and details
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 to $5,000 | Varies | Up to 180 Months | See representative example |
If you’re in a rent payment pinch and need up to $5,000 to get you through, LendingStore.com may have the resources to help. LendingStore.com works with borrowers of all credit stripes, and it can provide funding as soon as the next day. Its network of lenders also provides speedy approval decisions, so you aren’t left in limbo.
- Loans from $250 to $35,000
- Large lender network
- Fast loan decision
- Use the loan for any purpose
- Funding as soon as one business day, if approved
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250 to $35,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 72 Months | See representative example |
PersonalLoans.com offers qualified borrowers one of the largest loan ranges on this list, with partner lenders ready to approve loans of between $500 and $35,000. The lending network works with applicants who have any type of credit history to find the best fit among its three types of loans — peer-to-peer, personal installment, and bank personal loans. Network lenders can make credit decisions in minutes and fund most loans in one business day.
- Personal loans of up to $50,000
- All credit types welcome
- Receive funds in as little as 24 hours
- Fast approval decision
- Safe and secure application
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $50,000 | As low as 6.40% | Varies | See representative example |
If you need funding fast, Loan for Personal network lenders can deposit loan proceeds into your account as soon as the next day. Just fill out one application to receive offers from multiple lenders. And with loans up to $50,000, lenders in the network can certainly provide enough to cover your rent.
11. One Loan Stop
- Personal loans up to $5,000
- Access to a network of lenders
- Funds could be yours in as little as one business day
- Quick, easy online application
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | Varies | Varies | See representative example |
One Loan Stop works with a network of lending partners to provide borrowers with up to $5,000 fast. Its online application is speedy and secure, and network lenders that want to work with you will answer almost immediately. If you decide to accept one of your offers, funds could hit your account in as little as one day.
Rent Assistance Programs
A short-term loan may be just what you need to hit the reset button and get back on your feet. But if you struggle to make ends meet each month, then a loan could be a temporary fix to a long-term problem.
Several private and government-run organizations specialize in helping people find affordable, safe, and sanitary housing in all 50 states. These programs can range from temporary rental assistance to voucher programs that cover all or part of your monthly rent bills on an ongoing basis. Many also help with utility bills and other monthly necessities.
U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Programs
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was designed to help keep families in their homes. It specifically aims to help those who are unable to pay rent or utilities. Funds can go to eligible households, landlords, and utility providers to help struggling renters pay rent or other housing expenses.
The ERA2 program was authorized in 2021 with a budget of $21.55 billion and runs through September 20, 2025.
Programs in several states are closed to new applicants due to depleted funds, but some states still maintain eligibility, including Nevada, Colorado, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and a handful of others.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Assistance
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also helps consumers find affordable rental housing. The department’s Rental Assistance program covers all 50 states and provides qualified low-income applicants with access to housing with reduced rent.
The government agency also runs public housing apartment units and a Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) that allows you to find your own rental unit and use the voucher to pay for all or part of your rent.
Rural Rental Assistance
If you live in an area funded by the government’s Rural Housing Service, you could receive reduced rent through Benefits.gov. To receive housing assistance, your monthly rent payment must exceed 30% of your household’s adjusted monthly income.
Potential applicants can contact their local USDA Rural Development field office for more details.
211.org
Each year, 211 call centers around the U.S. help millions of people gain access to shelter and housing options and utility assistance, along with several other needs.
These include supplemental food and nutrition programs, emergency information and disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and support groups for individuals with mental illnesses and special needs.
You can reach the call center by simply dialing 211 on your phone or contacting the agency on its website.
ModestNeeds.org
If your financial dilemma stems more from an emergency or unexpected expense, charitable crowdfunding resources like Modest Needs can provide some much-needed relief. The platform allows individuals to make small, emergency donations to low-income workers who create a campaign on the website.
Since 2002, Modest Needs donors have helped more than 17,500 individuals and families with financial assistance that conventional philanthropy otherwise wouldn’t.
How Do I Get Emergency Money For Rent?
Consumers have several resources available to them to keep their homes during emergency situations, whether it’s a loan or assistance from one of the government-run or private charitable institutions listed above.
The path you take to find emergency funding should depend on your financial circumstances and the reason for your current need.
If a one-time unexpected bill throws off your budget for the month, then a loan would likely be your best resource for getting back on track. Several lenders are willing to work with consumers who have bad or damaged credit profiles to quickly get them the money they need — as long as consumers can afford to repay the loan and its interest.
However, if you continually struggle to pay rent and utilities, and the issue doesn’t seem to get better month after month, then you may be better served by researching agencies that work to help consumers receive rental assistance or government vouchers that pay for all or part of your monthly rent and utility bills.
That’s because if you have an ongoing issue, a loan will only add to your monthly bills. It will cover one month’s rent, but still leave you with the same issue when the bill is due the following month.
Remember, though, that there are several specialized government and private programs that you may qualify for based on your race, gender, financial status, and military service. These programs can provide one-time or ongoing assistance to make sure you have access to affordable housing without blowing your monthly budget on just one expense.
What Happens if I Can’t Pay My Rent?
The repercussions of being late on your rent range from incurring a late fee to getting a stain on your payment history that can affect future rental contracts.
The amount of your late fee will depend on the laws in your state and the rules set by individual property management companies. You could be charged a flat fee or a percentage of your overall rent. Some management companies impose a daily fee, which adds up every single day until you pay your rent in full.
And, depending on which state you reside in, your landlord could start the eviction process shortly after you miss a payment. Each state sets different laws regarding how soon the process can begin.
But many states created eviction moratoriums, i.e. a ban on evictions for nonpayment, created in response to the pandemic. According to Nolo, one of the web’s largest libraries of consumer-friendly legal information:
“No matter if there is an eviction ban in your area, you are still obligated to pay rent. Depending on the language of a ban, your landlord might be able to assess late fees, interest, or other penalties for not paying the rent on time.”
But even if you manage to pay the late fees and avoid eviction, late rent payments can stick around to bother you for years. That’s because many landlords report rental payment history to the three major credit reporting bureaus.
Late payments can make it difficult to find a new place to rent when you move, and your credit score could suffer for several years.
That’s why it’s important to stay in communication with your landlord. If you ignore calls, visits, or letters when you’re late, you only invite the landlord to take more drastic actions to get the money he or she is owed. If you take the time to explain your situation, you can often avoid credit reporting that can be far more costly than any late fee.
Can You Be Evicted if You Pay Partial Rent?
Sometimes in life, having something is better than having nothing. This doesn’t apply to rent payments, though.
Eviction laws are similar to the laws covering late fees. Landlords can continue to charge late fees until you pay your rent in full. And if you submit only a partial rent payment, your management company can still begin the eviction process until you become current on your payments.
Each state has a different law related to eviction. Some states — such as Maryland, Maine, and Delaware — provide renters with a minimum 30-day grace period before the process can begin. Other states — including California, Florida, and Hawaii — can start the process eight days after you miss your payment or submit a partial payment.
Here is a look at how long the eviction process can take in each state:
| State | Average Length of Eviction Process | State | Average Length of Eviction Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 weeks to several months | Missouri | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Alaska | Up to 8 weeks | Montana | 3 to 8 weeks |
| Arizona | 1 to 6 weeks | Nebraska | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Arkansas | 6 to 8 weeks | Nevada | 1 to 6 weeks |
| California | 5 to 8 weeks | New Hampshire | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Colorado | 2 to 16 weeks | New Jersey | 3 to 16 weeks |
| Connecticut | 4 to 7 weeks | New Mexico | 2 to 7 weeks |
| Delaware | 4 to 12 weeks | New York | 4 to 20 weeks |
| District of Columbia | 8 to 32 weeks | North Carolina | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Florida | 2 to 10 weeks | North Dakota | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Georgia | 4 to 12 weeks | Ohio | 5 to 8 weeks |
| Hawaii | 4 to 16 weeks | Oklahoma | 2 to 7 weeks |
| Idaho | 1 to 8 weeks | Oregon | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Illinois | 2 to 20 weeks | Pennsylvania | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Indiana | 3 to 16 weeks | Rhode Island | 4 to 16 weeks |
| Iowa | 3 to 8 weeks | South Carolina | 4 to 9 weeks |
| Kansas | 3 to 12 weeks | South Dakota | 5 to 12 weeks |
| Kentucky | 3 to 6 weeks | Tennessee | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Louisiana | 2 to 5 weeks | Texas | 4 to 10 weeks |
| Maine | 4 to 8 weeks | Utah | 4 to 16 weeks |
| Maryland | 3 to 20 weeks | Vermont | 16 to 28 weeks |
| Massachusetts | 4 to 12 weeks | Virginia | 8 to 16 weeks |
| Michigan | 2 to 8 weeks | Washington | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Minnesota | 2 to 12 weeks | West Virginia | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Mississippi | 2 to 8 weeks | Wisconsin | 8 to 16 weeks |
| Missouri | 4 to 12 weeks | Wyoming | 3 to 4 weeks |
That doesn’t mean that you’ll lose access to your home within eight days. The eviction process can take quite some time. Many such cases require a trial and can take months to complete.
During that time, you will continue to accrue late payments and other fees and may be required to pay the landlord’s legal fees. The landlord will likely report the poor payment history to the credit reporting bureaus, and your credit could suffer dramatically from the proceedings.
As stated above, many landlords are often willing to work with a tenant to help get them back on track. After all, a late payment is better than no payment at all. And no one wants to get tangled up in court battles over partial payments.
If you can only make a partial rent payment, your best step — if you cannot qualify for an emergency loan to make up for the shortfall — is to contact your landlord and explain your financial hardship. The communication could head off legal notices and other uncomfortable letters and calls.
Determine Whether a Loan or an Assistance Program is the Better Choice
Everyone should feel safe and secure in their own home. But you don’t always feel safe when the rent is due and you can’t cover the bill. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a loan or rent relief assistance program that can get you back on your feet and once again feeling secure.
As with most financial programs, though, be sure to research the fine print attached to any loan or emergency assistance you accept and understand the terms for repayment and usage.
With the right planning and a little help, you no longer have to dread the beginning of each month and can go back to looking at a new page on your calendar as a time for fresh possibilities.
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