Free, plain-English help for US residents
Behind on rent, lost your job, or got a notice? Here’s what to do first, step by step.
Start with what’s going on. We’ll show you what help exists, which option to try first, and exactly what to type in every box — screen by screen.
- Checked against official sources
- Independent — not a government site
- No sign-up, no fees
Start here
Short on rent? Pick the line that sounds like you — we’ll take you straight to what to do.
Can't Pay Rent This Month? What to Do First (and Where to Get Help)
Can't pay rent this month? How to buy time with your landlord, find rent help near you through 211, and avoid traps that make it worse.
- Same day to a few weeks
- Free to ask for help
- Checked Nov 3, 2026
Need help today?
These lines can connect you with help near you. You don’t need to know which program you need.
What’s going on?
Pick the situation closest to yours.
More situations we’re writing guides for
No guide yet? 211 can still point you to local help for all of these today.
Start from your situation
You don’t need to know the program’s name. We show the options, fastest first.
Every screen, every box
Real screenshots with numbered boxes, and what to type in each one.
Checked and dated
Facts come from official sources, with the date we checked them.