What Do You Need for a DSCR Loan Application?
Mostly the property's numbers, not your tax returns. The published DSCR programs we read don't ask for tax returns or W-2s; they want to know the property, its rent and its payment, and they confirm value and rent through an appraisal. None of the lenders we read publishes a full checklist, so ask each one for its list; the items below are the ones their published programs point to. Approval is each lender's decision.
Last updated October 21, 2026About the property
- The address, and the purchase contract if you're buying, or your current mortgage statement if you're refinancing.
- What it rents for: a signed lease if there is one, since one lender qualifies on the lower of 110% of the appraiser's market rent and your lease rent.
- The property taxes, insurance and any association dues, which go into the payment the ratio uses.
- Whether it's a long-term or short-term rental; short-term rentals can carry different requirements.
About the money
- Your down payment funds. The programs we read publish limits that mean 15% to 25% down, and one allows gift funds and seller concessions up to 6%.
- Account statements for reserves, especially if the rent won't fully cover the payment; one lender funds loans below a 1.0 ratio when reserves support them.
About you and who's borrowing
- Permission to check credit. Published minimums run from 620 to 700; one lender says it does no hard credit pull.
- If you're borrowing through an LLC, the company's documents. One lender lets a U.S. LLC borrow with a personal guarantee.
What happens after you apply
The lender orders an appraisal, which sets the value and the rent it will use. One lender requires an appraisal for both, and another can use an automated rent report on single-unit properties up to 75% loan-to-value. Ask for the rate, points, fees and prepayment penalty in writing before you commit.
| Property | Address, contract or mortgage statement, lease, taxes, insurance, dues |
|---|---|
| Down payment | 15% to 25% in the programs we read; gift funds and concessions at one lender |
| Reserves | Statements, especially if the ratio is under 1.0 |
| Credit | Minimums from 620 to 700 in published programs |
| Company borrower | LLC documents; a personal guarantee at one lender |
| Not needed | Tax returns and W-2s, in the published programs |
Related questions
Sources
- https://www.kiavi.com/loans/dscr
- https://www.griffinfunding.com/non-qm-mortgages/dscr-loans/
- https://angeloakms.com/programs/investor-cash-flow-mortgage-program/
- https://limaone.com/rental/detail/
Sourced from licensed loan officers and brokers in the FreeRateUpdate network.
Educational information only, not individualized financial or legal advice. Program details and rates change; verify current terms with a licensed loan officer before making a decision.