October 28th, 2011
In 2010 OCCA was approached by a couple who did not have a lot of disposable income and were considerably behind in their rent. They were responsible people who were proud and accustomed to paying their bills on time, but encountered some bad luck with the woman losing her job. Very quickly they found themselves over their heads in credit card debt and student loans, and were getting behind in their rent payments. They were challenged every month with how to spend what little money they had each month.
Making only the minimum payments on their credit cards and loans, they still did not have enough to cover their groceries, utilities and rent payments. They clearly needed help and were beginning to receive warnings of eviction from the landlord. OCCA understands how quality of life can be impacted by the stress of financial obligation that would result from a change of employment, like in this couple’s case. They called OCCA for a free financial assessment and were immediately put on a program that accommodated their financial limitations.
We at OCCA have always stressed the precedence of mortgage and rent payments over any unsecured credit debt. OCCA represented the couple in their negotiations with their creditors over the course of the next two years until all of their unsecured debts were settled to their creditors’ satisfaction.
By ceasing monthly payments to their creditors they could allocate their earnings to their rent and utilities, and still had enough for their groceries. For the first time in months the couple was feeling less stressed and was slowly gaining back respect with their landlord by making their rent payments on time and in full. Communication between both parties was once again comfortable and confident.
A stress-free consumer is also a happy and low-maintenance tenant.
At OCCA, our objective is to ensure that our members’ basic financial obligations are taken care of. Our assistance is based on the premise that resolving debts, not avoiding them, is the most important step towards financial stability. We will assist the member to create a budget, offer a re-payment proposal to all creditors, and follow through with their offers. We believe that only the consumer can fix their own credit and an OCCA membership will ensure that the consumer has learned enough to deal with their finances independently and with confidence.
Time and time again, we have found that late or non-payment rent is a by-product of a tenant being overwhelmed with credit payments. All negotiations and arrangements made with creditors are based on the premise that food and rent are basic necessities of life and therefore take precedence over all other debts. As a landlord you can only benefit from encouraging your tenants to use this service.
OCCA’S TOP PRIORITY IS THAT THE CONSUMER’S RENT IS PAID FIRST!
For a complimentary asessment, call us today, toll free 1-866-USE-OCCA (873-6222) or visit us at www.occa.ca
“Freedom from debt row!”
