You might need a small place at first—really small. In expensive cities, you might get a 100 square foot micro-studio for under $1,000. [1] X Research source Also consider apartments in slightly shady neighborhoods. Check neighborhood crime rates at www. neighborhoodscout. com. Remember that your first home after a divorce doesn’t need to be your permanent home.

Many national chains have extended-stay hotels. Call and ask about rates. Renting a hotel this way is more expensive than renting an apartment. However, it’s more convenient if you need short-term housing.

Make sure the apartment is close to work or accessible by public transportation. Check your cell phone reception. [3] X Research source You can save money if you just use your cell phone and skip the landline. Also confirm that there is enough water pressure. Flush the toilet and turn on the taps.

There may be errors on your credit history that are pulling down your score. For example, your ex-spouse’s debts might show up on your credit report, or accounts might wrongly be listed as in default. Dispute any credit report errors. It usually takes a couple months for inaccurate information to come off.

If necessary, check whether you can put your rent on a credit card. It’s not an ideal solution, but it will help you get a roof over your head. You can pay the credit balance down once you get re-established.

If you have to advertise, ask any potential roommate for references and one month’s security deposit. Be very clear about your expectations regarding cleanliness and having guests over.

For example, you can say, “Mom, I need to come home. Is that okay? I’ve only got a few hundred saved. But if I can stay with you for two or three months, I’ll be back on my feet. ”

A part-time job might be ideal since it will keep you out of the house. Check Craigslist for part-time gigs such as dog walker, Uber driver, or bartender. [6] X Research source

Wash dishes or prepare meals without asking. This will relieve your host’s stress. Avoid draining your friend’s electricity by charging up your computer and phone on their dime. Instead, find a public café or recharge while at work. Keep complaints to yourself. Do you think the sheets are scratchy? Consider yourself lucky to have a place to stay. [7] X Research source

Some rules are unspoken. Pay attention to your host’s habits. For example, if they only watch TV with the volume down low, do the same.

Remember to clean up after yourself. Remove any trash and wash the sheets or vacuum the sofa you slept on. Don’t leave anything behind. [10] X Research source

If your ex doesn’t want you in the house, volunteer to stay in the garage or in a guest house. Staying in the house isn’t an option if there’s been any history of domestic violence, or if there is a restraining order against you. [11] X Research source

If you don’t have any money, volunteer to do things around the house. You can cook all meals, make repairs, and clean.

For example, you might get up an hour earlier than your ex and come back home an hour earlier. Schedule when you’ll use the bathroom and the kitchen.

Wash your own dishes. Eat only the food you buy. If you want something your ex bought, ask first. Volunteer to clean shared spaces, such as bathrooms, and mow or rake the lawn.

There’s also no reason to advertise that you’re dating. Keep that news to yourself.

Listen to your ex-spouse and avoid getting defensive. If your ex complains about your habits, avoid the temptation of starting a tit-for-tat argument. [16] X Research source After all, your ex might have a legitimate grievance. Don’t revisit the divorce. You’re living at home for financial reasons, not because you want to pick apart why you divorced in the first place.

You can find rentals online or by looking in your telephone book. Shop around for the most competitive price.

There are income limits for eligibility. Typically, your income shouldn’t exceed 50% of the median income of a family your size in the county or city where you want to live. For example, the median income for a single person might be $25,000. Your income will need to be $12,500 or less. Even if you qualify, there’s usually a long waiting list. You might need temporary shelter.