What we verified in “Can't pay your rent: what to do and where to get help”

Statements and where we checked them

The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. The CFPB says that if you are having trouble paying rent you are not alone; that as a renter you have local, state and federal rights, and some may help you stay in your home and postpone eviction; and it warns that scammers are targeting people who are looking for rental assistance.

   Sources 1 · Help for renters (page last modified Dec. 12, 2024): 'If you’re having trouble making rent payments, you’re not alone'; 'As a renter, you have local, state and federal rights'; 'Some may help you stay in your home and postpone eviction'; 'Scammers are targeting people who are looking for rental assistance' · Checked October 17, 2026

2. According to the CFPB, state, tribal and local organizations distribute money to help renters struggling to keep up with rent and other bills, and they are the best place to start: you can search the internet for rental assistance in your town or city, your county, and your state or tribal nation; ask at local government offices such as your town hall, city council or representative's office; and visit organizations such as your local library or cultural center.

   Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills (page last modified Sept. 25, 2026): 'State, tribal, and local organizations distribute money to help renters struggling to keep up with rent and other bills'; 'are the best place to start when you are looking for help paying your rent'; 'Search the Internet for rental assistance in your town or city, your county, and your state or your tribal nation'; 'Ask at local government offices like your town hall, city council, or representative’s office'; 'Visit organizations like your local library or cultural center' · Checked October 17, 2026

3. The CFPB explains that if you need help finding options to pay your rent or utility bills so you can stay in your home, 211 can help you identify available resources; you can call 211 from a cell phone or landline to speak to a local specialist, or search its website.

   Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'Contact 211': '211 can help you identify available resources'; 'Call 211 from a cell phone or landline to speak to a local specialist today' · Checked October 17, 2026

4. According to the CFPB, after you apply it may take several weeks to receive rental assistance funds.

   Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'Tip about timing': 'After applying it may take several weeks to receive rental assistance funds' · Checked October 17, 2026

5. The CFPB says you can get year-round help with utility bills through your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) office or by calling the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866) 674-6327.

   Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'Help with utility bills': 'Get year-round help with utility bills by contacting your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) office or calling the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866)-674-6327' · Checked October 17, 2026

6. According to the CFPB, housing counselors can help you find resources in your area and make a plan; some HUD-approved housing counseling agencies offer low- or no-cost rental housing counseling, but not all of them do, so check that 'rental' appears among the services they offer; you can call 800-569-4287.

   Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'Rental housing counseling': 'Housing counselors can help you find resources in your area and make a plan'; 'Some HUD-approved housing counseling agencies offer low- or no-cost rental housing counseling'; 'Not every housing counselor offers rental housing counseling'; 'review the services they offer to make sure that'; 'call 800-569-4287' · Checked October 17, 2026

7. The CFPB explains that HUD offers programs to help pay rent: in subsidized housing, the government pays apartment owners to offer reduced rents to tenants with low incomes; housing choice vouchers (Section 8) can pay for all or part of the rent for privately owned housing; and to learn whether you are eligible for a voucher you contact your local public housing agency.

   Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'Subsidized housing and housing choice vouchers': 'In subsidized housing, the government pays apartment owners to offer reduced rents to tenants with low incomes'; 'Housing choice vouchers (also known as Section 8) can pay for all or part of the rent for privately owned housing'; 'Find and contact your local public housing agency to learn more about your eligibility for a housing choice voucher' · Checked October 17, 2026

8. HUD explains that it funds local public housing agencies (PHAs), which manage public housing and vouchers; that the agency decides whether you qualify based on your total yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with disabilities, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status; that you apply by contacting your local agency; and that if you already live in public housing, hold a voucher or live in other HUD-assisted housing and need help, you contact your local public housing agency.

   Sources 6 · Helping Americans, 'Affordable Places to Live': 'HUD gives funding to local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)'; 'A Public Housing Agency will decide if you qualify based on'; 'Your total yearly income'; 'Whether you are a family, an older adult, or a person with disabilities'; 'Your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status'; 'Contact your local Public Housing Agency'; 'Current HUD-assisted Residents': 'If you are a resident in public housing, a voucher holder, or a resident in other HUD-assisted housing, please contact your local Public Housing Agency' · Checked October 17, 2026

9. HUD says that if you have lost your housing and need shelter and services, for direct assistance you dial 2-1-1 and press 6 for homeless services; if you get no response, you can enter your zip code at 211.org to find the number for your local office.

   Sources 6 · Helping Americans, 'Experiencing Homelessness': 'For direct assistance dial 2-1-1 and press 6 for homeless services'; 'enter your zip code to find the number for your local office' · Checked October 17, 2026

10. The CFPB advises finding out whether your landlord is willing to work with you or plans to file an eviction lawsuit, and notes that it is very rare for a landlord to prefer going through the eviction process instead of receiving their rent; sometimes the hardest part is getting the conversation started.

    Sources 3 · What to do if you’re facing eviction (page last modified Dec. 12, 2024): 'Find out if your landlord is willing to work with you or if they plan to file an eviction lawsuit'; 'It is very rare for a landlord to prefer going through the process of evicting you instead of receiving their rent'; 'Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting the conversation started' · Checked October 17, 2026

11. According to the CFPB, some states or local areas have rules that could delay your eviction while you get help, and local housing counselors, legal aid and social services organizations can help you understand how those protections work.

    Sources 3 · What to do if you’re facing eviction: 'Some states or local areas have rules that could delay your eviction while you get help'; 'Local housing counselors, legal aid, and social services organizations can help you understand how state or local eviction protections work' · Checked October 17, 2026

12. The CFPB explains that during the pandemic the federal government provided billions in federal rental assistance, that many of these programs have now closed or stopped accepting applications, but that some money may still be available.

    Sources 3 · What to do if you’re facing eviction: 'During the pandemic, the federal government provided billions in federal rental assistance'; 'Many of these programs have now closed or stopped accepting applications, but some money may still be available' · Checked October 17, 2026

13. According to the CFPB, too many renters give up before they have a chance to go to court; if you are sued, you have the right to file a written answer explaining why you should not be evicted, and if you don't have a lawyer yet you can file it on your own; if you applied for assistance and are waiting for a decision, include that in your answer; and the judge may delay or dismiss the eviction because you are trying to get help.

    Sources 3 · What to do if you’re facing eviction: 'Too many renters give up before they have a chance to go to court'; 'You have the right to file a written answer explaining to the court why you should not be evicted'; 'If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you can file an answer on your own'; 'If you applied for rental assistance or assistance with utilities and are waiting for a decision from a local organization, include that in your answer, too'; 'The judge may delay or dismiss the eviction because you are trying to get help' · Checked October 17, 2026

14. The CFPB explains that if you are a servicemember taken to court for an eviction, you and your dependents can pause the eviction for up to 90 days upon request, and that you should talk with your local Legal Assistance Office.

    Sources 3 · What to do if you’re facing eviction: 'If you’re a servicemember, talk with your local Legal Assistance Office'; 'you and your dependents can pause the eviction for up to 90 days upon request' · Checked October 17, 2026

15. The CFPB says eviction can be costly and difficult for renters and landlords, and that besides applying for assistance they may benefit from talking about a repayment plan; many rental assistance programs accept applications from both landlords and renters, and where renters can apply they often need the landlord's help to complete the application, so working together gives a better chance of getting the funds; to start the conversation it suggests explaining why you want to work things out and not assuming your landlord already knows.

    Sources 4 · Start a conversation about rent repayment (page last modified Dec. 12, 2024): 'Eviction can be costly and difficult for renters and landlords'; 'Many rental assistance programs accept applications from both landlords and renters'; 'they often need help from landlords to complete the application process'; 'Working together, you’ll have a better chance of getting rental assistance funds'; 'Explain why you want to work things out'; 'Don’t assume that your landlord knows' · Checked October 17, 2026

16. The CFPB describes payment options and when each one fits: moving the due date to line up with payday or splitting rent into two payments a month, useful for renters juggling several bills; forgiving late fees as long as the renter keeps paying the agreed amount; accepting a smaller payment for a few months as long as the agreed amount is paid each month; and a plan to repay back rent over time, say six months to a year, adding a portion to each month's rent, which also fits if you expect money soon, such as a child tax credit or a bonus.

    Sources 4 · Start a conversation about rent repayment, 'Options': 'Rent due dates are changed to align better with payday, or split into multiple payments over the month'; 'Renters who are juggling multiple bills may find it hard to come up with the full rent payment on the first of the month'; 'Landlords might be willing to skip the usual penalties, as long as renters keep up with paying an amount that you both agree on'; 'Landlords may be willing to accept a smaller payment for a few months'; 'Back rent is repaid over a period of time, say, six months to a year'; 'A portion of the amount owed is added to each month’s rent payment'; 'like from a child tax credit or a bonus, that can be used to repay a chunk of the amount owed' · Checked October 17, 2026

17. According to the CFPB, your rights as a tenant are usually spelled out in your rental agreement and in state or local law; your landlord cannot force you out by changing your locks without a court order, or demand fees, interest or other charges that you did not agree to or that state or local law prohibits.

    Sources 5 · Your tenant and debt collection rights (page last modified Feb. 20, 2026): 'Your rights as a tenant are usually spelled out in your rental agreement and state or local laws'; 'Force you out by changing your locks without a court order'; 'Demand fees, interest, or other charges that you did not agree to, or that are prohibited by state or local law' · Checked October 17, 2026

18. According to the CFPB, federal law may protect you from being evicted, losing your housing subsidy or having your housing application denied because of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking committed against you.

    Sources 5 · Your tenant and debt collection rights, 'Protections for survivors of domestic violence': 'Federal law may protect you from being evicted, losing your housing subsidy, or having your application for housing denied because of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking committed against you' · Checked October 17, 2026

19. HUD says that if you are in danger you should call 911 or a national hotline, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE), or text START to 88788.

    Sources 6 · Helping Americans, 'I am experiencing domestic violence and need help': 'If you are in danger, please call 911 or a national hotline'; 'Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)'; 'text “START” to 88788' · Checked October 17, 2026

20. The CFPB recommends talking to a lawyer if your landlord is threatening to evict you or you need help understanding your rights; you may qualify for free legal aid based on your income, through your local bar association or a legal aid office.

    Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'Legal help with evictions': 'If your landlord is threatening to evict you, or you need help understanding your rights, talk to a lawyer'; 'You may qualify for free legal aid, based on your income'; 'Contact your local bar association or legal aid' · Checked October 17, 2026

21. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to fund civil legal aid for low-income Americans; on its site you enter an address or city to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you, and you can also visit LawHelp.org for legal information and free legal forms.

    Sources 8 · I Need Legal Help: 'LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans'; 'enter an address or city below to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you'; 'You can also visit LawHelp.org to look up information about your legal questions and find free legal forms' · Checked October 17, 2026

22. According to the CFPB, if a lawyer represents your landlord or a collection agency is trying to collect back rent or utilities, it may be considered a debt collector under federal law; debt collectors cannot use unfair or deceptive practices, and if you believe one is doing so you can submit a complaint or call (855) 411-2372.

    Sources 2 · Get help paying rent and bills, 'How to deal with people collecting overdue rent or utilities': 'the lawyer or company may be considered a debt collector under federal law'; 'debt collectors can’t use unfair or deceptive practices to try and collect a debt'; 'you can submit a complaint or call (855) 411-2372' · Checked October 17, 2026

23. HUD's housing-program rule sets the tenant's payment at 30% of the family's monthly adjusted income (or 10% of monthly income, if higher); that is the federal reference we use to talk about affordable rent.

    Sources 7 · 24 CFR §5.628(a)(1) and (a)(2): '30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income'; '10 percent of the family's monthly income' · Checked October 17, 2026

24. The New York Attorney General's guide says a tenant can be legally evicted only after the landlord brings a court case and obtains a judgment of possession, and only a sheriff, marshal or constable can carry out the warrant; that the landlord cannot take you to court for non-payment unless they first gave you a 14-day written rent demand; that until the warrant is carried out you can have a non-payment case dismissed if you pay all rent owed; and that you cannot be evicted for not paying other fees, such as late fees.

    Sources 9 · Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide, 'Eviction' and 'Tenant Protections During Eviction': 'Your landlord cannot bring you to court for non-payment of rent unless they have given you a 14-day written'; 'A tenant can be legally evicted only after the landlord has brought a court proceeding and has obtained a judgment of possession'; 'only a sheriff, marshal, or constable can carry out a court ordered warrant to evict a tenant'; 'you can have your non-payment case dismissed if you pay all rent that is owed'; 'You cannot be evicted for non-payment of other fees (such as late fees' · Checked October 17, 2026

25. The California Attorney General says it is important to act quickly if your landlord serves you with an eviction notice or if you know you cannot afford your rent; that many legal processes affecting tenants move swiftly, so you should not ignore important notices; that if you cannot afford a lawyer you may qualify for free or low-cost legal aid; and that the only lawful way to evict a tenant is to file a case in court and go through the legal process.

    Sources 10 · Landlord-Tenant Issues: 'It is important to act quickly if your landlord serves you with an eviction notice'; 'Many legal processes affecting tenants move swiftly, so do not ignore important notices'; 'If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free or low-cost legal aid'; 'The only lawful way to evict a tenant is to file a case in court and go through the legal process' · Checked October 17, 2026