Yellowknife — May 31, 2023
As part of Housing NWT’s Renewal Strategy, the GNWT is launching a pilot program in Fort Resolution and Inuvik to enable public housing clients to receive a positive credit rating when they make on-time monthly rent payments.
The program will allow clients to opt in to have their payments reported to credit bureaus. Only positive credit ratings will be disclosed.
This pilot program will first launch in Fort Resolution and Inuvik, starting in July 2023. If the pilot is successful, Housing NWT would like to make it accessible to other public housing clients in the territory.
Clients in Fort Resolution and Inuvik can call their local housing organization to learn more about this program, and to sign up. The benefit of being in this program is the opportunity to build a positive credit score for future rentals and/or purchasing items that require a positive credit rating.
This credit pilot program reflects Housing NWT’s vision of providing innovative and client-focused service to public housing clients to set them up for housing success.
Quote(s)
“This program is a great way for public housing clients to build credit and access more housing options. This additional credit-building option – which did not exist previously – can also open up other opportunities. At Housing NWT, we want to provide clients with the tools they need to succeed. This is another example of how we are working towards that.”
- Paulie Chinna, Minister of Housing NWT
Quick Facts
- Fort Resolution and Inuvik public housing clients will be the first to access this new credit program starting in July 2023.
- FrontLobby was chosen as a service provider after Housing NWT explored a number of options.
- FrontLobby’s rent reporting tool allows landlords to report on-time rent payment to credit bureaus.
- With FrontLobby, rent payments can be shared with Equifax and the Landlord Credit Bureau to be reflected on a client’s credit report and tenant record.
Related Links
For media requests, please contact:
Tami Johnson
Manager of Communications
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories