A Calgary-based REIT is providing rent relief for Yellowknife-based tenants forced to flee their homes due to encroaching wildfires.

Northview Residential REIT said in a news release that it will effectively freeze rent bills for Yellowknife residents ordered to evacuate by the Northwest Territories Government. Thousands of Yellowknife residents have fled to Alberta and B.C. via emergency flights and road as wildfires approached the city.

The REIT said it will prorate August rates from the date of the emergency evacuation order, August 18, until residents are permitted to return home. In cases where rents have already been processed, residents will receive bill credits.

Rents due on September 1 will not be processed. Instead, they will be prorated based on the date on which the evacuation order is lifted.

Northview apologized for not disabling automated past-due notices.