MLI Select Investor Checklist
Score the building before you promise 5% down or a 50-year amort.
A printable walkthrough of how Select points are earned and what each tier changes on leverage, amortization, and CMHC premium. Pair it with the required-documents list and the points calculator.
Do not sell 5% down you cannot score
Max leverage is a points outcome. The checklist makes the 50 / 70 / 100 gates visible before the PSA.
Affordability math in one place
Existing 40/60/80% of units at ≤30% of median renter income vs new 10/15/25% — printed so you do not mix the ladders.
Links to the live calculator
Use the MLI Select points calculator for the actual score; this file is the narrative and the benefit table.
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)
Your property must score a minimum of 50 points across the following categories.
-
Affordability — up to 50 points (plus +30 for a 20-year commitment)
Units at ≤30% of median renter income. Existing 40/60/80% of units → 50/70/100. New 10/15/25%.
-
Energy efficiency — typically capped at 50 points
Percent better than a named code baseline (2020 NECB/NBC, or legacy until 30 Sep 2026). Third-party verification required.
-
Accessibility — 20 or 30 points (CMHC cap)
Visitable units + barrier-free common areas first. ≥15% accessible → 20 pts. 100% / Level 2 → 30 pts.
-
Your project total score
Minimum 50 required.
The benefits you receive depend on your total points score. Higher scores unlock more favorable mortgage terms.
-
50 points
10% premium discount. Existing: up to 85% LTV / 40-year. New: up to 95% LTC / 40-year.
-
70 points
20% premium discount. Up to 95% LTV/LTC · 45-year amort.
-
100 points
30% premium discount. Up to 95% LTV/LTC · 50-year amort · limited recourse.
Ensure you have all documentation prepared before submitting. Missing documents will delay your application.
-
Property appraisal (CMHC-approved appraiser)
-
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
-
Building Condition Report
-
Rent roll (current, with unit-level detail)
-
Trailing 12-month operating statements
-
Capital expenditure plan
-
Energy audit/EnerGuide assessment (if claiming energy points)
-
Affordability attestation (if claiming affordability points)
-
Accessibility compliance report (if claiming accessibility points)
-
Borrower financial statements
-
Corporate documents (if applicable)
-
Construction plans and permits (if new construction)
Understanding the approval timeline helps you plan your project effectively.
-
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.
-
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 above before submission.
-
Not engaging a CMHC-experienced broker
An experienced broker knows exactly what CMHC requires and can streamline the process.
-
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.
- What is the minimum score for MLI Select?
- 50 points. Below that you are on MLI Standard or conventional, not Select.
- Does energy alone get me to 100 points?
- No. Energy is capped (typically 50). You combine affordability, energy, access, and optionally a 20-year affordability commitment (+30).
- Is 1.10 DCR available on Standard if I am close on points?
- No. 1.10 min DCR is Select standard rental only.
Email to download
Name and email. We send the file and can follow up on the matching desk.