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The calm of the end of the month, where all your bills are paid and your bank account is steady, is short-lived. As soon as the first of the month comes knocking at your door, so does the knowledge that rent is due. So what options do you have if you need money to pay rent?
How To Pay Rent Tomorrow: 8 Ways
If you need money to pay rent tomorrow or as soon as possible there are many routes you can take to earn extra cash or get some financial assistance. Here are eight options to try when you can’t quite make rent.
- Online focus groups or surveys
- Sell your stuff
- Talk to your landlord
- Under the table jobs
- Gig apps
- Rental assistance programs
- Use a temporary work agency
- Borrow money from your church
1. Online Focus Groups or Surveys
You can earn money by participating in focus groups or filling out surveys online. Several online companies offer a variety of tasks for you to complete such as surveys, watching videos, playing games or filling out questionnaires for the chance to earn cash, some of which pay right into your PayPal account or on a prepaid credit card. Some popular platforms include:
- Survey Junkie
- Swagbucks
- Branded Surveys
- InboxDollars
2. Sell Your Stuff
Selling stuff online can be a quick way to earn some extra cash. Whether it is vintage clothing, home decor, antique furniture, bicycles or beauty products, selling these items and padding your checking account can take the stress out of writing your next rent check. There are several websites or e-commerce platforms you can sell items on including the following:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Etsy
- Facebook Marketplace
- Nextdoor
- Poshmark
- Ruby Lane
3. Talk To Your Landlord
Every once in a while, especially if it is not a common recurrence, talking to your landlord and explaining your situation can go a long way. There is a chance they could extend your due date or even accept partial payments in installments. Often landlords do not want to deal with the hassle of hunting down money or finding a new tenant so knowing where you are at and that the money is coming can help you negotiate a timetable that works for everyone.
4. Under the Table Jobs
Often there are several easy under the table jobs that don’t require a skill set that you can find online or around your neighborhood. These jobs typically pay in cash and are a quick way to add money to your account if you need to pay rent tomorrow. Here are some examples of side jobs to consider for some additional income:
- Babysitting
- Car washing
- Dog walking
- Gutter cleaning
- House cleaning
- Lawn mowing
- Pet sitting
- Snow removal
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5. Gig Apps
If you have a car there are many lucrative delivery driving options through gig apps such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, Seamless or DoorDash. You’re able to set your own schedule and if you strategize in busy areas you can make decent money for a side hustle. For example, the national average shows DoorDash drivers making about $25 per hour, plus tips, so if you work 20 hours in a week that is potentially an extra $500 you can put towards rent.
6. Rental Assistance Programs
Rent assistance exists precisely for those who are struggling to make ends meet. If you go to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website you can find more information on what rental assistance programs you could be eligible for and how to apply for them. More locally, there also may be a public housing coalition near you that can help you when you reach out.
7. Temporary Work Agencies
If you don’t want to have to look for your own side gigs, finding a temporary work agency, often called a temp agency, can help you with the hard parts. These agencies work with multiple companies to place you in a variety of paid positions for a predetermined amount of time. Common part-time jobs you can get with temp work often include seasonal work, administrative duties or computer support specialties.
8. Borrow Money From Your Church
Not only can you borrow money from your friends and family in a pinch, but you can also borrow from your extended community. Local churches, in many cases, have assistance programs for things such as immigration, job training, clothing or utility bills. Not only do they give financial support for these things but they also can help you with your rent, so make sure to inquire with your local church to see if this is an option for you.
Final Take To GO
Rent may be inevitable but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. If you need money to pay rent and you’re not sure you’ll have enough, there are always options to help you fill in some blanks so you can write that check less stressfully. As the first of the month is always just a few days or weeks away it is good to know what to do when you need money today to pay rent tomorrow.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making money to pay rent.
- How can I make money fast to pay my rent?
- Here are some ways you can make money quickly to pay your rent:
- Participate in online focus groups or surveys
- Sell your stuff
- Talk to your landlord
- Take up some under the table jobs
- Gig apps
- Rental assistance programs
- Use a temporary work agency
- Borrow money from your friends, family or community
- Here are some ways you can make money quickly to pay your rent:
- Do local churches help with rent?
- Yes, many local churches do have financial assistance programs that can help you with rent as well as utility bills or even clothing.
- Is Flex for rent worth it?
- Flex can be helpful for some people as it splits your rent payments into two separate payments, which can help stretch your cash flow or even improve your credit score. Be aware there is a charge for this service but it may be a good option to save you some wiggle room when rent is due.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- U.S. Department of the Treasury. "Emergency Rental Assistance Program."
- Free Financial Help. "Church Assistance Programs."
