How to Talk to Your Landlord and Find Rent Support During Cancer Treatment
If you can’t pay your rent during treatment, there are steps you can take to protect your housing and avoid eviction:
Talk to your landlord early
Let your landlord know about your situation as soon as possible — ideally before you miss a rent payment.
You could say, “I’m facing a health crisis and may fall behind on rent. Can we discuss options to avoid eviction?” This shows that you’re being proactive and want to find a solution.
Some patients worry that disclosing their cancer diagnosis will lead their landlord to evict them. Federal and state fair housing laws prohibit this and protect individuals from discrimination based on a health condition.
You’re not alone. 45% of the people with cancer we support have difficulty paying their rent or mortgage
Ask about payment options
Your landlord might be open to:
• Extending your rent deadline
• Waiving late fees
• Setting up a plan with smaller monthly amounts
• Using your security deposit toward this month’s rent
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Get it in writing
Putting your agreement in writing protects you and your landlord by clearly stating what you both agreed to. Email is often best. Check with your local housing program or court to confirm if text messages are valid documentation.
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Reach out to a housing counselor
If you can’t reach an agreement, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A local housing counselor can help you learn about your rights.
» Visit: answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling
» Call: 800-569-4287
Get help paying your rent
You deserve safe, stable housing while you go through treatment. Here are three ways to find rental assistance:
Talk to your care team
Your social worker, nurse navigator, or another healthcare provider may know about local or national rental assistance programs.
Visit Family Reach’s Financial Resource Center
At familyreach.org/gethelp, you can:
✓ Enter your zip code to find local and national support programs
✓ Connect one-on-one with a Resource Navigator
✓ Access financial tips and guidance
✓ Work with your healthcare provider to apply for available financial assistance
Call 211
211 is a free, confidential service that connects you to local programs, including housing support.