CMHC MLI Select Investor Checklist
Your Complete Pre-Application Guide
Prepared by LendCity Mortgages | lendcity.ca
Section 1: Before You Start
Before you begin your MLI Select application, confirm you meet these foundational requirements:
- ☐ Confirm property has 5+ self-contained units
- ☐ Verify property is in Canada
- ☐ Confirm you can meet minimum 5% equity requirement
- ☐ Review your project's potential MLI Select score (minimum 50 points required)
Section 2: Points Assessment Worksheet
Your property must score a minimum of 50 points across the following categories. Complete this worksheet before submitting your application.
| Category |
Points Available |
Your Score |
Details |
| Affordability |
Up to 50 |
___ |
At least 1 unit below 80% MMR = 30pts
All units below 80% MMR = 50pts |
| Energy Efficiency |
Up to 50 |
___ |
EnerGuide/ENERGY STAR certified = 25pts
Net Zero Ready = 50pts |
| Accessibility |
Up to 50 |
___ |
10% of units barrier-free = 25pts
20%+ units universal design = 50pts |
| YOUR PROJECT TOTAL SCORE |
|
___ points |
Minimum 50 required |
Section 3: MLI Select Benefits by Score
The benefits you receive depend on your total points score. Higher scores unlock more favorable mortgage terms.
| Score |
LTV |
Amortization |
Premium Discount |
| 50-69 points |
95% |
40 years |
Standard rate |
| 70-89 points |
95% |
40 years |
Premium discount |
| 90-100 points |
95% |
50 years |
Maximum premium discount |
Section 4: Required Documents Checklist
Ensure you have all documentation prepared before submitting. Missing documents will delay your application.
Property & Valuation Documents:
- ☐ Property appraisal (CMHC-approved appraiser)
- ☐ Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
- ☐ Building Condition Report
Financial & Operational Documents:
- ☐ Rent roll (current, with unit-level detail)
- ☐ Trailing 12-month operating statements
- ☐ Capital expenditure plan
Sustainability & Compliance Documents:
- ☐ Energy audit/EnerGuide assessment (if claiming energy points)
- ☐ Affordability attestation (if claiming affordability points)
- ☐ Accessibility compliance report (if claiming accessibility points)
Borrower & Corporate Documents:
- ☐ Borrower financial statements
- ☐ Corporate documents (if applicable)
- ☐ Construction plans and permits (if new construction)
Section 5: Timeline Expectations
Understanding the approval timeline helps you plan your project effectively. Below is our typical project timeline:
| Stage |
Timeframe |
| Pre-application review |
1-2 weeks |
| CMHC application preparation |
2-4 weeks |
| CMHC review and approval |
4-8 weeks |
| Commitment and closing |
4-6 weeks |
| Total Estimated Timeline |
3-5 months |
Plan accordingly and engage your broker early to avoid delays.
Section 6: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences. These are the top mistakes that delay or derail MLI Select applications:
- Overestimating points score — Don't assume marginal improvements qualify for points. CMHC standards are strict. Have a professional assess your property.
- Insufficient documentation — Missing or incomplete documents cause application rejections. Prepare everything listed in Section 4 before submission.
- Not engaging a CMHC-experienced broker — An experienced broker knows exactly what CMHC requires and can streamline the process. This is worth the investment.
- Underestimating the timeline — MLI Select applications take 3-5 months. If you need financing faster, a conventional mortgage may be better suited.
- Failing to plan for compliance requirements — If you're claiming affordability or accessibility points, plan now for compliance monitoring throughout the mortgage term.
Next Steps
Ready to move forward with your MLI Select application? Contact LendCity Mortgages today for a confidential strategy consultation.
Book a strategy call: lendcity.ca/book-strategy-call
Our team will review your project profile, assess your points potential, and guide you through the entire process.