Rent is the most important bill that one should pay to avoid homelessness. Never count on a landlord to be patient and wait for it. Rent is usually due on the first of the month. If it is not paid, the landlord can charge late fees or start an eviction action. Do not withhold rent to get a landlord to make repairs. Information on getting a landlord to make repairs through a rent escrow action is available on INFO-U document #798 "Getting Repairs Done by Landlord."

• If you are laid off or lose your job and will be unable to make the rent payment, contact your landlord right away. Some landlords work with tenants to set up a payment plan if the tenant knows when they will have money. A landlord's response will be based on your payment history.
• Seek help from an emergency assistance source. This could be the county, a church or a nonprofit agency. There may be a homeless prevention program to help out temporarily.
• Ask yourself if there is anything that can be sold to obtain the needed rent money such as blood plasma, a camera, or a vehicle.
• Ask the landlord's permission to have someone move in to share expenses. However, roommates should be chosen carefully. Each roommate is responsible for all of the rent, unless the written lease says otherwise. If a roommate does not pay their portion, or moves out, your landlord can make you pay all of it.

Get signed, dated receipts whenever you pay the rent - whether you are paying it to a roommate or the landlord. If the landlord starts eviction proceedings, listen to INFO-U document #802, "Renting: Eviction Rights," to learn how to deal with an eviction. Low-income people may also seek the advice of Legal Aid. Get a free copy of the Minnesota Attorney General's publication, "Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities." It is free. Call 651-296-3353 or 1-800-657-3787.

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