According to a 2025 report by Investopedia, 67% of American workers are living paycheck to paycheck. OPM also suggests offering to pay part of the rent now and the rest when the government shutdown ends. “Your [apartment] complex is not in the business of furnishing free rent,” read one not-so-friendly letter from a landlord. If you could pay half your rent instead of 100%, your available cash will last longer. Check among your co-workers, family, and friends to see if someone is looking for space and can pay some rent.