Re: Help w/ my rent situation
 

Call the guy up and say this as soon as possible in the conversation without sounding rude. Have a speculative/excited tone to your voice, not the type of thing he would associate with a grievance.

"Hey Mr. ____, I've been thinking about picking up some part time work here at school. and I know you've been wanting to get some of the work around the house finished up, do you think we could work something out?"

Chances are he'll say sure, even if he wasn't planning on putting any money into it at the moment. If he asks you what you had in mind, just say something like "Oh I don't know $8-$10/hour would be fine. I think I could finish up the painting and the carpets and really have the place looking nice if I can get a couple good weekends in."

If he says "no, I dont have any plans to work on the house right now." I would probably say "oh, ok" end the conversation and re-evaluate what route you want to take.