How To Find a Home After Divorce with Limited Finances
On top of everything else you need to find a place to stay after divorce.There aren't many options for people with limited finances.If you can't afford a home, you should look for a cheap rental.If you have to, you can either crash with friends or family or stay at home with your ex- spouse.
Step 1: You can search the internet.
It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.There are cheap apartment rentals.You can check websites such as Rent.com.The cheapest place to rent is a studio in someone's house.You may need a small place first.You can get a 100 square foot studio for under $1,000 in expensive cities.There are apartments in shady neighborhoods.Neighborhood crime rates can be found at www.neighborhoodscout.com.You don't need a permanent home after a divorce.
Step 2: Contact the hotels.
For a short period of time, you might need a temporary place to stay.Canada requires a lease to be for at least 12 months.A hotel or motel is the only option for short-term housing.There are many national chains with extended-stay hotels.Ask about the rates.Renting an apartment is cheaper than renting a hotel.If you need short-term housing, it is more convenient.
Step 3: You can view the apartment.
Ask the landlord to show you the place.You should not rent a place without first viewing it.Some cheap apartments are unsafe and unsanitary.The apartment should be close to work or public transportation.You should check your phone reception.If you use your cell phone, you can save money.It is necessary to confirm that there is enough water pressure.Turn on the taps after you flush the toilet.
Step 4: You should check your credit.
A growing number of landlords are looking at people's credit history before agreeing to rent to them.Credit history and credit score can be pulled.If you have a low score, try to clean up your credit history quickly or find a place to live that has a bad credit score.Errors on your credit history can pull down your score.It is possible that your ex- spouse's debts will show up on your credit report.Make sure you dispute any credit report errors.It can take a couple months for incorrect information to come off.
Step 5: Ask if you can get rid of a security deposit.
If you damage the apartment or skip out before the end of the lease, the landlord will want a month's rent as a security deposit.If you have good credit or a long rental history, you can ask the landlord if they can rent without a deposit.Check to see if you can put your rent on a credit card.It will help you get a roof over your head.Once you get re-established, you can pay down the credit balance.
Step 6: If it's necessary, get a roommate.
It is cheaper to have someone split the bills in an apartment.It's better if you know the person already, but you can still advertise for a roommate on websites.Not all leases allow you to have a roommate.If you have to advertise, ask potential roommates for references and a month's security deposit.Have guests over and be very clear about your expectations.
Step 7: Call them and ask.
Call ahead of time if you want to show up at someone's doorstep with a suitcase.You might be able to stay with them for a little while.You should give them a deadline when you're moving out.You can tell your mom that you need to come home.Is that ok?I only have a few hundred saved.I will be back on my feet if I can stay with you for two or three months.
Step 8: Save money quickly.
You can't sleep on someone's couch forever, so cut all unnecessary expenses and take on a part-time job if possible.To afford a security deposit on a small apartment, build up enough money.It will keep you out of the house if you have a part-time job.If you're looking for a part-time job, check out websites such ascraigslist.
Step 9: You should be a model guest.
People are giving you a huge favor by allowing you to crash with them.Make your host's life easier by keeping your space clean, not making noise, and being respectful.You don't have to ask to wash dishes or prepare meals.Your host will be relieved of stress.If you want to avoid draining your friend's electricity, you should charge up your computer and phone on their dime.You can find a public cafe at work.Don't complain to yourself.Do you think the sheets are soft?You are lucky to have a place to stay.
Step 10: Follow the rules.
Your friends might have weird rules.The point is not that.If you don't want to be kicked out, you need to follow them.Ask about anything that isn't clear.There are some rules that are not known.Pay attention to the habits of your host.If they only watch TV with the volume down, do the same.
Step 11: You can buy your own food.
If your host doesn't feel like they have to wait on you, you should prepare your own meals.Load up on food if you ask your friend where the nearest grocery store is.Make sure there is enough space in the fridge.
Step 12: Donate your time to cover expenses.
Donate your time to buy food or pay bills to build goodwill.Pick up a large pizza on your way home from work and invite your host to share.
Step 13: When asked, leave.
Someone might want you to leave.You can thank them by gathering your things.Call up other family or friends to find a place to stay.You should clean up after yourself.You can either wash the sheets or vacuum the sofa.Don't leave things behind.
Step 14: Talk to your ex.
There is no law that says you have to leave your home after a divorce.If you don't have any money, you should sit tight until you have enough money to buy an apartment.If your ex spouse was given the house in the divorce decree, you will need their permission.If your ex doesn't want you in the house, you can stay in a garage or a guest house.If there is a restraining order against you, staying in the house is not an option.
Step 15: Donate to the bills.
If you can afford it, you should split property taxes, insurance, electricity, and other costs.Discuss what you will do with your spouse.Volunteer to do things around the house if you don't have a lot of money.All you have to do is cook, make repairs, and clean.
Step 16: You have to come up with a schedule.
Limit contact as much as possible.A detailed routine can make staying in the house easier for everyone.Limit contact if your ex thrives on conflict.If you get up an hour earlier than your ex, you can come back home earlier.Schedule when you can use the bathroom and kitchen.
Step 17: Be respectful.
You need to clean up after yourself now that you've been married.Become a good roommate.You should wash your own dishes.You should only eat food you buy.Ask your ex first if you want something.Donate your time to clean shared spaces, such as the bathroom.
Step 18: Dates should not be brought home.
Who can blame your ex if he hits the roof?You should not start dating in front of your spouse.Don't bring them back if you want to date, meet outside the home.You don't have to advertise that you're dating.You should keep that news to yourself.
Step 19: It's a good idea to reduce conflict.
Children will be harmed by fighting.You need to commit to living peacefully if you are staying in the house.Don't get defensive and listen to your ex-spouse.If your ex complains about your habits, don't start a fight.Your ex might have a legitimate gripe.Do not revisit the divorce.You don't want to pick apart why you divorced in the first place because you are living at home for financial reasons.
Step 20: Leave as quickly as possible.
Staying in the house is a solution.Even though they are no longer married, some people get comfortable being part of a couple.If you can afford it, you should move out as soon as possible.
Step 21: Rent a motor home.
Rent an RV or buy a used one if you need a place to stay.If you can park on someone's property, ask them.You can park for a fee if you don't know anyone.There are sleeping, dining, and bathroom areas in recreational vehicles.You can find rentals online or in your phone book.Shop around for the best price.
Step 22: If you want housing assistance, apply.
Section 8 vouchers can be used by low-income people.The landlord is willing to accept the voucher and rent from them.The voucher subsidizes your rent.You can apply at your nearest public housing authority.There is an income limit for eligibility.If you want to live in a county or city where the median income of a family is more than 50%, your income should be less than that.For a single person, the median income is $25,000.You will need to make $12,500 or less.There is a long waiting list even if you qualify.You might need a place to stay temporarily.
Step 23: You can get a room at the Y.
Rooms for rent can be found at your local YMCA or YWCA.You can book online if they charge by the day, week, or month.The YMCA in the Upper West Side costs around $100 a night.If you need a place to crash for a few days, this is a decent choice.