Guide · Money and rent

Finding Rental Help

A friendly, practical guide to where help can be found when rent, utilities or housing questions feel heavy.

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Where to start

Got a legal notice?
Contact a local legal aid office right away. LawHelp.org can help you find one. See if you fall behind.
Rent or a bill coming up short?
Start with the places to start looking, beginning with 211.
Getting ready to ask for help?
Work through the when money feels tight checklist.

The short version

If rent or bills feel heavy, reaching out early is the kindest thing you can do. There is real help available, and much of it is free.

Start with 211. Call or visit 211.org to reach local specialists who know the rental, utility and food programs near you.

For energy bills, ask about LIHEAP or call 1-866-674-6327. For free housing counseling, call 1-800-569-4287. For legal questions, LawHelp.org lists free legal aid.

Talk openly, in writing, with the person you rent with or from. Keep copies of every application and notes on every call.

Programs and rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at local options. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.

Four simple rules

1
Reach out early
Help is easier to find, and options are wider, before rent or a bill is past due. The first week of a problem is the best week to ask.
2
Start with 211
Calling 211 or visiting 211.org connects you with local specialists who know the rental, food and utility programs near you.
3
Talk openly and in writing
A calm, honest message about what is happening and when you can pay keeps trust strong on every side.
4
Free help is real help
HUD-approved housing counselors and legal aid offices offer free or low-cost help. Please be cautious of anyone asking for an upfront fee.

Where to start looking

Tap a number to call. These are places to start, not a complete list.

211. Call 211 or visit 211.org to reach local specialists who know the rental, utility and food programs near you.
Energy bills. Ask about LIHEAP, the federal energy assistance program, through your local office or the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327.
Housing counseling. Call 1-800-569-4287 to find a HUD approved housing counselor near you.
Legal questions. LawHelp.org lists legal aid offices in every state.
Your utility company. Many offer payment plans, budget billing or hardship programs. Calling before a bill is past due usually opens the most options.

Programs, phone numbers and funding can change, so please confirm details with each program.

Try it

When money feels tight

From the guide’s own steps. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your situation may need others.

0 of 7

Called 211 or visited 211.org about rental, utility and food help
Reached out, ideally in writing, to the person you pay rent to
Called the utility company about payment plans or assistance before a bill is past due
Paperwork gathered in one folder: ID, lease, recent pay stubs or benefit letters, and any past due notices
Asked about LIHEAP for energy bills
Called 1-800-569-4287 to find a HUD approved housing counselor
Copies kept of every application, letter and message, with notes on who you spoke with and when

If you fall behind

Take a breath. Falling behind happens to many good people, and there are real paths forward.
Reach out kindly, in writing, to the person you pay rent to. Share what happened, what you can pay, and when.
Call 211 or visit 211.org to find rental and utility assistance programs near you.
Contact a HUD approved housing counselor at 1-800-569-4287 for guidance on your options.
If you receive any legal notice, contact a local legal aid office right away. LawHelp.org can help you find one.
Keep every letter, receipt and message together, and follow up on any application you submit.

Before you call any help line, write down three things on one page: what happened, how much is owed, and what you can pay. It makes every call shorter and clearer.

For owners: when someone asks for help

Listen first. A kind, patient response keeps the door open and the relationship strong.
Share the 211 and housing counselor numbers, and offer to complete any owner paperwork promptly.
Consider a written payment plan that is realistic for both sides.
Respond quickly to any assistance program that reaches out. Delays on either side can hold up help.
Put every agreement in writing and give everyone a copy.
Follow the rules where your home is for notices and timelines, and ask a professional if you are unsure.

Keep a simple “help sheet” with 211, the housing counselor line and the energy assistance line. Sharing it early, before anyone needs it, makes asking feel normal.

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or financial advice. Bunklow does not provide or decide rental assistance. Programs, phone numbers and funding can change, so please confirm details with each program.