Not having enough money to cover your rent can be a nerve-wracking experience. If you are currently facing this problem, you’re not alone. According to the new US Census Bureau data, around 40% of Americans are having trouble covering their bills amidst the pandemic and climbing inflation rates.
If you’re short on money, making you unable to cover your rent payment and need cash quickly, you may not know where to turn. In this article, we’ll cover eight tips on how to get money for rent fast.
How to Get Money for Rent Fast
Use these helpful tips if you’re in a financial bind and need to come up with cash to pay your rent.
1. Sell Your Stuff Online
Selling the things you already have is one of the quickest ways to earn money. If you have unused novelty items in your home, consider listing them on Craigslist, Amazon, eBay, or other listing sites. Some items you can sell include:
- Books
- Old electronics and gadgets
- Instruments
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
When listing your items online, consider the differences in various e-commerce platforms. By using Craigslist or other local classified sites, you won’t pay listing and transaction fees, and you can get the cash when a local buyer picks up your item.
Auction-based listing sites like eBay may take longer, especially if items are for sale for multiple days. Buyers can pay through Paypal, but moving the money to your personal account may take another few business days.
You could make several hundred dollars quickly, depending on what you have to sell. Even if it doesn’t cover your full rent amount, it’s a start!
2. Make Changes to Your Budget
Figuring out how to get money for rent fast can be a daunting task. But you may be overspending, so tightening up your budget could help.
Look for non-essential expenses you could cut back on or eliminate. Examples include:
- Video streaming subscriptions
- Cable or satellite TV packages
- Dining out
- Gym memberships or fitness subscriptions
- Travel
- Retail subscriptions
- Entertainment
You can trim utility bills by unplugging appliances while not using them and adding weatherstripping to doors and windows to boost efficiency. If you have the space, consider subletting an extra room to a renter.
If you’re constantly struggling to pay your rent, it may be worth looking for a cheaper living space. Moving is a tough process, but paying less each month can help you save more money over the long run.
3. Take Paid Online Surveys
The next tip is to explore paid online surveys. These are straightforward: You answer questions or fulfill tasks online and earn money for the time spent completing them. Tasks include watching videos, playing games, and searching the internet. The survey companies usually transfer the money to your PayPal account.
Websites like Survey Junkie, Inbox Dollars, and Swag Bucks offer paid surveys and tasks that can help you earn cash quickly.
4. Tackle Odd Jobs
If you don’t have high-value items you can sell, you can offer your services by taking on simple jobs. This option is especially helpful if you have extra time on your hands to run errands or perform other tasks.
Platforms like Craigslist and Indeed can help you find part-time jobs with flexible working hours. According to Zippia, you can earn an average of $12 per hour as a pet sitter. Dog walkers earn around $15 per hour, according to PayScale. You can also consider driving and delivery jobs by working for Uber or Lyft.
If pet setting and driving are not for you, you can also seek jobs that match your skill set. In Texas, different part-time jobs are available, from working as a baseball scorekeeper to a store cashier.
Aside from the opportunities on job listing websites, you can also explore the needs of your community. Consider offering grocery shopping for older adults, painting fences, or mowing lawns. Depending on the number of jobs you can take, and how much you charge, you could earn quite a bit of cash on a single weekend.
5. Consider Remote Freelancing Opportunities
If physical work isn’t a viable option for you, the next option of how to get money for rent fast is doing freelance work. Freelancing platforms can provide access to opportunities you can do remotely, such as:
- Proofreading
- Typing
- Content writing
- Entering data
- Transcribing
If you have the skills to perform any of these tasks, you can look for a freelance gig that can help contribute to your rent payment.
6. Be a Beta Tester
You can generate extra income through beta testing if you are open to trying new things and sharing your opinions. Through various platforms, users get paid to test websites and applications.
Video game testing is another option if you are into gaming. Testing sessions usually take around 20 minutes, and all you need is your mobile device, a microphone, and a webcam. More lucrative opportunities may offer up to $100 to take a 60-minute test or join a focus group discussion.
7. Donate Plasma for Money
Donating plasma is one way to support the endeavors of the medical industry while earning extra income. Plasma, the liquid component of human blood, contains antibodies that medical researchers use to develop medicines for life-threatening diseases. Because of the small amount of protein in a blood sample, it can take up to 900 plasma donations each year to create medication for one patient.
Compensation varies depending on the donation center but can range from $20 to $60 per appointment. Some plasma centers offer bonuses to first-time donors, with an earning potential of $1,000 or more in the first month.
8. Seek Assistance
If you have exhausted all your options and adjusted your budget but you’re still short on rent, don’t be ashamed to seek help. Here are some other options to help you get back on your feet.
- Tap into assistance programs: Consider applying for unemployment assistance if you lost your job or have no means of generating income.
- Reach out to 211: In Texas, you can dial 211 to get information regarding social services, including rent assistance, utility bill assistance, and emergency shelter needs.
- Consider taking out a loan: Reliable loan providers like Power Finance Texas provide short-term loans that can help you get cash when you need it the most. You may be able to apply for a loan online and receive the funds on the same day.
- Ask family members for help: Your loved ones might offer assistance in times of dire need. To reduce the risk of problems, set proper boundaries and expectations regarding the terms and repayment plan, if applicable.
- Talk to your landlord: If you are struggling to make ends meet, you can try talking to your landlord to request installment options or find out if they can waive late charges. It’s always worth asking, as your landlord might be willing to help. Ensure to keep a written record of negotiated agreements to protect yourself.
Power Finance Texas Is Here to Help
Figuring out how to get money for rent fast is tough, but you don’t have to face this financial struggle alone. We provide reliable financial options at Power Finance Texas to help our clients get back on their feet. We also offer tips to improve your financial health.
When you need cash, an installment loan may be your best option. We can help you secure loans up to $1,250, regardless of your credit score. Apply for a loan today and get approved in minutes!