If you’ve been taking note of news headlines over the past several months, you know that the mortgage crisis has been getting a lot of attention. Though the situation for defaulting homeowners is certainly a bad one, the plight of renters with housing woes is equally as serious. Worse yet, the number of renters in tough housing situations is growing faster than the number of homeowners facing mortgage problems. Fortunately, even though the rental housing situation isn’t getting much press, there is helpful information to share with those in need. Below you’ll find tips to help you or any other renter locate affordable housing.

Tip #1:  Change your spending habits

If you feel like you can’t afford decent rental housing, take a moment to look at your spending patterns. Evaluate whether your income really is too low for rental costs or whether your spending habits are simply too high. If you cut out unnecessary spending, how much money will you have left?  Unnecessary spending could include dining out frequently, purchasing expensive lattes on a daily basis, or buying clothes and shoes regularly. Cut back on these and you’ll be surprised how much money you’ll have left over.

Other ways to cut back include cancelling subscriptions, such as daily newspapers. After all, most news in available for free on the Internet. Consider cancelling your cable television subscription and read a free book from the library instead. Essentially, look for any way you can cut back on your living expenses and see whether that change leaves you with enough money to upgrade to better rental housing.

Tip #2:  Look for roommates

For individuals who yearn to live in a rental property but aren’t able to afford one on their own, a roommate could be the ideal solution. Though many people have the idea in their heads that they need their own “personal space,” they fail to consider how this might still be possible with the help of a roommate.

In expensive metropolitan areas like Washington DC or San Francisco, a roommate could make it possible for you to afford a two-bedroom apartment. In such a case, you would both have your own space to which you can retreat. In neighborhoods where housing isn’t as pricey, a roommate may make it possible for you to afford a multi-bedroom rental house. Not only does this get you your own bedroom, it allows you to have even more space available for your own personal use.

Along with sharing housing costs, roommates may share the cost of utilities, food, and other items, such as an Internet connection. Roommates can also be a lifeline if you’re new to a city. They can keep you from getting lonely.

The main trick to living peaceably with a roommate is to know that you can trust him or her (so choose someone you know or someone who has agreed to a background or reference check). You also want to be sure you can work out your housing agreement with clear discussion when you and your roommate first move in. This is important in order to avoid future conflict.

Tip #3:  Consider cooperative housing

Many cities are now offering programs for cooperative housing. Several such programs are church-sponsored and a few are government-sponsored. In these programs, families and individuals are allowed to live in discounted housing units for a specific amount of time. A common time limit is two years. During their time in such housing environments, people are asked to pay extremely low rent rates such as $250 a month. Many cooperative housing facilities allow for private bedrooms and sometimes for private living spaces, but require shared use of kitchen areas, some bathrooms, and some living areas.

Though cooperative housing environments require you to give up a certain level of independence for a while, they have definite perks. Many such housing areas are clean and safe. With such low rents, individuals have the ability to save so they can afford transitioning to their own rental or even to buying their own home. This is a particularly good option for single parents and for students.

Tip #4:  Consider other areas

The biggest housing problems for renters are taking place in large metropolitan areas where housing prices of all kinds have ballooned. Though you may be tempted to live in a certain city, don’t rule out moving. There are plenty of affordable cities in the U.S. that offer a high quality of life along with affordable rental housing. If you have specific reasons for staying in an area, such as wanting to be close to family, then think about moving only a short distance away. Many expensive metropolitan areas have smaller communities nearby that offer an easy commute to the city along with affordable housing in their specific neighborhoods.

Be patient

In some cases, finding affordable rental housing simply requires patience. This could mean having the patience to stay somewhere inexpensive while you work to save up money. It could mean waiting out the ruthless housing prices till they come down to something you can afford. It could also mean working hard to change your situation so you can get a better paying job – meaning going back to school or taking training courses. Whatever your situation, just remember that patience and optimism will eventually pay off, and you will someday find affordable rental housing.