Housing NWT has adjusted rental rates for its Market Housing Program to better reflect changing market conditions and the cost of delivering housing in communities across the Northwest Territories.

Existing tenants in market rental units received advance notice of the adjusted rates, which come into effect October 1, 2026. Rates for new leases were previously adjusted on August 1, 2026.

These adjustments help keep Market Housing rents in line with what people are paying in the private rental market. Setting rents closer to market rates helps create a more level playing field for Indigenous governments and private landlords that want to enter the market.

The Market Housing Program provides approximately 250 affordable, long-term rental units in non-market communities where there are fewer housing options. The program helps address housing gaps by providing rental housing for residents and workers, including essential service providers such as teachers, nurses, RCMP members and other community workers.

Market Housing Program units are owned or leased by Housing NWT and administered through Local Housing Organizations (LHOs) and District Offices. The LHOs, under agreement with Housing NWT, provide property management services, including rent collection, maintenance coordination, and tenant support.

Housing NWT recognizes that affordability remains a concern for many residents and seeks to balance affordability considerations with the long-term sustainability of the program.

Updated Market Housing Program rental rates

Unit Type

2025-26 Rates*

2026-27 Rates*

Bachelor

$1,202

$1,365

1 Bedroom

$1,437

$1,493

2 Bedroom

$1,687

$1,805

3 Bedroom

$1,938

$2,032

*Monthly rents include heating fuel.

Why rent adjustments are needed:

Following a significant Market Rental Program rate adjustment in 2025, Housing NWT committed to regular annual reviews to keep rates aligned with changing market conditions. This approach helps avoid larger adjustments over time and provides greater predictability for tenants.

Rate adjustments are informed by the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) annual market rental report, along with other factors. Market Housing Program rates remain below average private market rents in Yellowknife.

Quote

“Access to housing is critical to attracting and retaining the workers who help communities thrive. By updating market rental rates to better reflect current conditions, we are strengthening the long-term sustainability of the program and supporting continued growth in community housing options. We will continue to work with tenants to ensure they understand the changes and the supports available to them.”

- Lucy Kuptana, Minister of Housing Northwest Territories  

Quick facts

• The Market Housing Program provides approximately 250 rental units to essential workers and residents in non-market communities in the NWT, where housing options are limited.
• Notices were sent to existing tenants in market housing units outlining a 90-day notice of rent increase. Rates for new leases were previously adjusted on August 1, 2026.
• Market Housing Program rates include heating fuel, and continue to be set below average private market rental rates in Yellowknife.

Related links

• Market Housing Program

For media requests, please contact:
Laura Busch, Manager, Communications
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca