Market Housing Program

Overview

The Market Housing Program provides additional rental housing options in smaller communities, where housing options are limited. Market Rental Units are intended to increase the availability of housing in smaller communities for long-term residents and workers who provide essential services to the community. This includes RCMP, nurses, teachers and other critical workers.

Market Housing Rental Units are owned or leased by Housing NWT and are administered and managed by the community’s Local Housing Organization (LHO). LHOs provide property management services, including the allocation of units, the collection of rents and the provision of preventative and demand maintenance services.

Market housing stock consists mainly of homes for singles and families, modular units and a limited number of duplexes and apartments that vary by community.

All units are unfurnished and include a refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer.

Housing NWT currently administers approximately 250 market housing units across the territory.

Deadline

Applications for Market Rentals are open year-round.

Rental Rates

Housing NWT market rates depend on the type and layout of the unit, and which additional utilities the tenant pays for. Please note that actual rates may vary slightly from those shown below.

Types of units	*Rates (2025-2026)**
Bachelor	$1,202
1 Bedroom	$1,437
2 Bedroom	$1,687
3 Bedroom	$1,938

*Monthly rents include Heating Fuel

Housing NWT adjusts its market housing rates annually by using the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) annual report to better align with the private market and to reflect operating costs.

Pet Policy

In March 2026, Housing NWT implemented its Pet Policy that allows pets in Housing NWT-owned Market Housing units, with notification to their LHO. A maximum of three pets per household is allowed. This guidance does not apply to Social Housing (Public Housing) units or Homeownership Entry Level Programs (HELP), where pet policies are established by the LHO.

Upon notification of the pet(s), a pet security deposit equal to half of one month’s rent is required, in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act section 14.1.

New Market Rental tenants must indicate that they have a pet when they sign their lease with the LHO. Existing tenants should contact their LHO before getting a pet to ensure the proper agreements and security deposits are in place.

While pets are welcome in Market Housing units, tenants are accountable for any damage caused by their pets, and for any injuries to neighbours, community members and staff who enter the unit.

This policy does not apply to service animals, which are allowed in all units with the appropriate documentation.

How to Apply for Market Housing

Contact your Local Housing Organization or District Office to get an application.

Completed applications, including authorization for reference and credit checks, must be returned to the LHO or District Office. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If a waitlist exists or multiple applications are received, a point-rating system is used to determine priority.

If approved, and subject to unit availability, successful applicants will be offered a 12‑month lease and must pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent (50% at move-in and the rest within three months). If applicable, a pet deposit equal to 50% of one month’s rent is required.