Investors and rentals
Rentals that pencil out.
Is this you?
Who this is for
- You want a house with a suite to help carry the mortgage
- You're buying a duplex, triplex or fourplex to live in one unit
- You're adding to a rental portfolio
How it goes
Step by step
- 01
The property
What it is, what it rents for and how you'll use it.
- 02
The math
How much of the rent lenders will count, and what that does to what you qualify for.
- 03
The lender
Rental policies vary a lot between lenders. Matching the property to the lender matters.
- 04
Close
Leases, appraisal and conditions handled.
Numbers to know
The rules, in plain English
Rent a lender can count
Up to 50%
Of the gross rent from the property you're buying, for CMHC-insured mortgages. Up to 100% of the suite rent on a two-unit home you live in.
Source: CMHC, Calculating GDS and TDS (39% / 44%, qualifying rate, condo fees, revolving credit). Checked Nov 3, 2026.
3 to 4 units, living in one
10% down
CMHC insurance allows owner-occupied three and four unit homes with 10% down.
Source: CMHC, Home Start (minimum equity 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the rest, price below $1.5M, 30-year premium table, first-time buyer definition). Checked Nov 3, 2026.
The stress test
5.25% or rate + 2%
Lenders check you could afford the payment at whichever is higher. It's a safety check, not the rate you'll pay.
Source: OSFI, Minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages (modified 2026-01-29). Checked Nov 3, 2026.
What to have ready
Documents most lenders ask for
- Leases or a rental market estimate
- Your income documents
- Statements for other properties you own
- Property tax notices for other properties
Don't email these.
When it's time, you'll upload them through the brokerage's secure application. Every lender is a bit different, so I'll send you an exact list.
Calculators
Try the numbers
Questions
Common questions
How much rent can I count?
For CMHC-insured mortgages, up to 50% of the gross rent from the property you're buying can be added to your income. A two-unit home you live in can count up to 100% of the suite rent. Other lenders have their own rules.
Can I buy a fourplex with less than 20% down?
If you'll live in one of the units, CMHC insurance allows 3 to 4 unit homes with 10% down.
Ryan Grafton, Mortgage Broker | Mortgage Architects
Got a question? Ask it.
Fifteen minutes on the phone usually clears it up. No pressure.