Understanding the WHA Rental Waitlist
If you have been based in Whistler for any length of time you are probably acutely aware of the challenges that community members working in Whistler face in securing affordable, stable, long-term housing. WHA’s Rental Housing Program allows households with full time employees working for Qualified Whistler Businesses to apply to live in one of the rental units owned and operated by the WHA. There are currently 327 long-term rental homes directly managed by the WHA, with additional units under construction.
As of November 1, 2023, there are 574 households on the WHA Rental Waitlist, of which 20% are current WHA tenants. These households are situated on the Waitlist based on the date their completed application was received by the WHA. Some of these households have indicated that they are interested in housing 'as soon as possible', and for others, their application is a backup plan ‘just in case’ something happens with their current housing situation. Once active, Rental Waitlist applicants can check their overall position, and click through to their position by selected unit type, in their member profile at anytime.
When a WHA rental opportunity comes available, the top section of the Rental Waitlist are emailed details about the WHA rental unit (i.e. location, move-in date, and property features) and are asked to confirm whether they are interested in leasing the rental unit. Those who express interest are then contacted by WHA property managers, in order of their waitlist position, to arrange a viewing prior to signing a lease.
WHA Rental Waitlist FAQ's
Can an eligible applicant be on both the WHA Ownership and WHA Rental Waitlists?
Yes! Eligible employees can be on both Employee Housing Program Waitlists at the same time. In fact, 28% of the WHA Rental Waitlist are also on the WHA Ownership Waitlist. If a rental unit comes up first the applicant can move into the rental home without their Ownership Waitlist position impacted and they will have future opportunities to purchase through the WHA Ownership Program.
Is there a cost to be on the Rental Waitlist?
No. There is no cost, it is free to apply and free to annually renew and remain on the Rental Waitlist. Every year, applicants on the Rental Waitlist are required to renew their eligibility in the Employee Housing Program. At the annual renewal time, information about the applicant's prior year’s income and current employment eligibility is collected to verify continued eligibility and future indicative rental rates.
How are the rental rates determined?
The WHA rental rate structure changed to a Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) model in 2019. This means that rental rates are set at 30% of the tenant's gross household income from the previous year's reported income. Each WHA rental complex and unit type also have a posted minimum and maximum rental rate, intended to keep rents at a minimum predictable level for WHA to cover financial obligations and building maintenance costs. The maximum rental rates are close to, but less than, rental rates in Whistler’s open market. Due to the recent cost of construction, newer rental projects have a higher minimum rental rate than older WHA rental complexes.
Can a tenant have an office or guest room in their WHA rental unit?
No. Whistler's Employee Housing Program is expected to maximize the employee housing inventory for Whistler’s workforce and their immediate family. Those with dependents and those who have applied with roommates are eligible for larger units whereas singles and couples are eligible for studios and one bedroom units.
Are pets allowed in the WHA rental unit?
Certain WHA complexes allow for one pet. These WHA locations include:
- Cloudburst Court (1310 Cloudburst Drive)
- Legacy Passive House (1020 Legacy Way)
- Nordic Court (2120 Nordic Drive)
- Lorimer Court (6320 Lorimer Road)
- Nita Lake Residence (5151 Nita Lake Drive)
- Lumina (8350 Bear Paw Trail)
- Granite Ridge (1330 Cloudburst Drive)
Do all rentals come with parking?
Most WHA rental units come with parking but in some locations there are waitlists for parking. Rental opportunities are advertised with this information in advance of leasing the unit.
If I'm on the Rental Waitlist and am offered a rental unit, can I turn it down?
Yes. There is no penalty for turning down a rental home when on the waitlist. If the timing is not right, or the available rental unit does not meet your current needs (location, parking, pet friendly etc.), there is no penalty to pass on the rental opportunity. The WHA wants employees to choose opportunities that will allow them to thrive in our community. Many applicants are happily housed and choose to be on the waitlist in case something changes with their current situation. Therefore opportunities can move further down the waitlist and be offered to those on the waitlist who are ready and interested.
How long does it typically take to be offered a rental opportunity?
This is a very common question and it can be difficult to predict. The wait times vary depending on the frequency of rental turnovers, the household size, the interest of those ahead of an applicant on the waitlist and the volume of new rental homes being constructed. In 2022 there were 44 turnovers resulting in many WHA Rental Waitlist applicants being housed. Information about rental wait times can be found on our Rental Wait Times page.
WHA's Rental Housing Program
gives qualified Whistler employees the opportunity to secure long-term housing close to where they work. To view the different rental properties available in the Program. More details about the program can be found on our Rental Program Overview page.
