Before you put pen to paper, take a step that most don’t, but all should: Try negotiating reduced rent or fees.

As rents and other housing costs surge and Americans' erratic paychecks can't keep up, some companies let tenants split the rent on credit.

Renters spent 29.8% of income on housing in 2024 vs. 17.9% for mortgaged owners. See how renting vs. owning costs compare, per BLS data.