Building Community Support for a Rent Collection Policy

A rent collection policy is a plan for how a First Nation community will collect rent payments or housing charges from tenants.

The support of everyone is essential…… Chief and council Administration (all relevant departments) Housing Committee Community membership Occupants Housing applicants

Assembling a support team You can build a team to: Explore payment options other than rent Explain the need for a rent collection policy Address questions from the community Help implement the rent collection policy.

Communicate to everyone the need for a rent collection policy Once the information is gathered, you may want to communicate: Current cost of housing–both construction and operating costs How housing costs are currently absorbed—are housing expenditures being financed by other departments (education, infrastructure)? List Financial projections for the future (1 to 5 years) Details on the housing surplus or deficit and why it exists Projections for population growth and how this may impact housing needs Current financial resources

Informal consultations Communication tools Informal consultations Champions / advocates Social Media Town Hall Meetings Newsletters

Potential Incentives for Consistent Rent Payment Reference Letters for Tenants in Good Financial Standing Eligibility for Rent to Own Program Sponsoring or Creating Housing Awards / Recognition

Potential consequences for non-payment: Register bad debts with the courts (for example, register a judgment) Use a collection agency Report debt to the credit bureau Restrict non-essential services Eviction

Thank You . To be filled in by CMHC staff – contact info, etc.