Many MMM commenters seem to own a home, but I believe that many rent as well. I am not FIRE, sadly, but due to an illness I am unable to work now and for the foreseeable future. My main expense now is my rent, and unfortunately Social Security, which I hope to start getting next year, just won't pay enough for me to stay where I am. I have started to look at less expensive apartments and I've noticed that most landlords want an employer reference. They have wanted this for my past apartments as well, but since I have always had a job, it was never a problem for me before. Now, I am wondering how someone can rent an apartment when they do not have an employer reference. Have any of you had to handle this before? I would love suggestions.
Note: I realize that moving into a place with a roommate would help, but my one non-negotiable is that I will not live with a stranger. I have had bad experiences with that before, and due to my health condition, I need to have a lot of flexibility in my home. I'm in my 30s, so my friends are mostly married and not available to be roommates.