Can You Get a DSCR Loan for an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?
Yes, from lenders that offer one. One lender says it qualifies short-term rentals using market rent from the appraisal, documented rental history, or short-term rental market data, depending on the program. Another has a short-term rental loan underwritten to short-term rental data. A third offers an automated short-term rental report. At least one lender sets different limits for them than for a long-term rental.
Last updated October 21, 2026How lenders set the rent
Three ways show up in what lenders publish:
- The appraisal's market rent, which is what a long-term tenant would pay.
- Your booking history, the rent the property has actually earned.
- Market data for short-term rentals in the area, such as an automated short-term rental report.
Which one a lender uses, and when, varies by program. If the property is new to short-term renting, ask how the lender will figure the income without a booking history.
Different limits from a long-term rental
One lender says its short-term rental files carry their own requirements, including coverage minimums and loan-to-value limits that differ from long-term rentals. Another's short-term rental loan publishes up to 75% loan-to-value on a purchase, up to 70% on a cash-out refinance, a ratio of 1.3 or higher and a minimum credit score of 700. The same lender's single-family rental loan goes up to 80% on a purchase.
Check the property can operate as one
Before you apply, confirm short-term renting is allowed where the property is, including any local registration or license. Fannie Mae's rule for conventional loans requires the property to be legally permitted to operate as a short-term rental.
How a conventional loan handles it
Narrowly. Fannie Mae's guide limits short-term rental income to one-unit investment properties. On a purchase, the rent comes from the appraiser's long-term rent schedule or from validated data on three comparable short-term rentals, and the lender counts 50% of the monthly gross rent before subtracting the payment, leaving the rest for vacancy and maintenance. See short-term rental income on a DSCR loan for more on the comparison.
What to ask a lender
- Do you lend on short-term rentals, and is it a separate program?
- Will you use the appraisal's market rent, my booking history or market data?
- What ratio, loan-to-value and credit score do you require for a short-term rental?
- What do you need to see about local permits?
| Available | At some DSCR lenders, sometimes as a separate program |
|---|---|
| How rent is set | Appraisal market rent, booking history or short-term rental market data, by program |
| Limits at one lender | 75% loan-to-value on a purchase, 70% cash-out, 1.3 ratio, 700 credit |
| Permits | The property must be allowed to operate as a short-term rental |
| Conventional contrast | One-unit investment properties only; 50% of gross rent counted (Fannie Mae) |
Related questions
Sources
- https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-3.8-03/rental-income-subject-property-short-term-rental
- https://www.griffinfunding.com/non-qm-mortgages/dscr-loans/
- https://limaone.com/rental/detail/
- https://angeloakms.com/programs/investor-cash-flow-mortgage-program/
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.