What Is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)?
The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) quantifies a property’s ability to cover its debt. It directly compares the property’s annual gross rental income against its annual mortgage debt, which includes Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance (PITI), and any Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. Lenders utilize the DSCR to analyze how much of a loan can be supported by the property’s income and to determine the income coverage at a specific loan amount.
When calculating DSCR, lenders typically do not consider operating expenses such as:
- Management fees
- Maintenance costs
- Utilities
- Vacancy rates
- Repairs
DSCR Formula Calculation
The formula for DSCR is straightforward:
DSCR=Annual Debt (PITI + HOA) Annual Gross Rental Income
How to Calculate DSCR: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine Your Annual Gross Rental Income.
We use your annual rental income based on an existing lease agreement. If no lease is in place, we refer to the appraiser’s comparable rent schedule (form 1007). In some cases, if you can demonstrate a twelve-month history of long-term (LTR) or short-term rental (STR) income, you may qualify based on that rather than the appraiser’s market rent. We will use the lesser of the two qualifying figures.
Step 2: Calculate Your Annual Debt.
Your annual debt for loan qualification purposes equals the total annual Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, and HOA (if applicable) payments.2
Annual Debt=Total Annual PITI payments + HOA (if applicable)
Step 3: Calculate Your DSCR.
Finally, you’ll divide your annual gross rental income by your annual debt to arrive at your DSCR.
Important Note: Metrics such as Net Operating Income (NOI), Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate), cash on cash return (COCR), and Return on Investment (ROI) are generally not considered for DSCR mortgage loan qualifying purposes.
Example of Debt Service Coverage Ratio Calculation
Consider a real estate investor looking at a property with a gross rental income of $50,000 and an annual debt of $40,000.
DSCR=$40,000$50,000=1.25
A DSCR of 1.25 indicates that the property generates 25% more income than is necessary to repay the loan, signifying a positive cash flow from the lender’s perspective.
How to Improve Your DSCR
Optimizing your DSCR before applying for a loan can significantly increase your chances of approval and potentially the loan amount you qualify for. Here’s how you can make your property look more attractive:
- Increase Rental Income: Boost your rental income by optimizing occupancy rates, increasing rental rates in line with market trends, or by offering additional services or amenities that attract more tenants. Minimize vacancies through effective marketing and by maintaining properties in excellent condition.
- Refinance Existing Loans (if applicable): Explore opportunities to refinance any existing mortgages on the property at lower interest rates or with longer repayment terms. You could even consider adding an interest-only feature to existing debt. Refinancing can reduce your monthly debt service obligations and thereby improve your DSCR.
- Increase Property Value: Investing in property upgrades or renovations can increase its market value, potentially allowing you to command higher rental rates. While the cost of upgrades isn’t directly factored into the DSCR, the resulting higher rent income will improve your ratio.
- Manage Your Expenses: Implementing cost-saving measures like energy-efficient upgrades, outsourcing maintenance services, or renegotiating vendor contracts can reduce your operating expenses. Although lenders do not consider these operational expenses when calculating your DSCR, managing them is crucial for your overall cash flow and investment health.
What Are DSCR Loans?
DSCR loans serve as an invaluable tool for real estate investors seeking a no-income verification mortgage loan. As one of several types of Non-Qualified Mortgages (Non-QM loans), DSCR loans provide an alternative financing route that doesn’t rely on traditional income verification methods. This is particularly advantageous for real estate investors whose true income might not be accurately reflected on their tax returns due to legitimate business expenses and deductions.
A DSCR loan makes it simpler to demonstrate a property’s rental income, allowing lenders to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan without scrutinizing personal income. This ease of qualification has made DSCR loans one of the most popular options among Non-QM borrowers. In fact, between 2018 and February 2023, DSCR loans accounted for approximately half of the 201,000 Non-QM loans rated by S&P Global.3
DSCR loans enable real estate investors to secure financing by taking into account the cash flow from investment properties rather than personal pay stubs or W-2s, which many investors typically do not have. This helps investors overcome challenges in meeting basic eligibility standards for real estate loans when deductions from their properties lower their taxable income.
How Does a DSCR Loan Work?
Real estate investors continue to seize opportunities in the U.S. housing market. Investor purchases of U.S. homes accounted for 16% of the market in the third quarter of 2024, and the outlook remains bright for those investing in the right markets in 2025. However, securing the right type of mortgage financing isn’t always easy for real estate investors.
Because real estate investors often write off expenses on their properties, some may not qualify for a conventional loan. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan allows these individuals to qualify more easily because4 it doesn’t require proof of income via tax returns or pay stubs—documents investors either don’t have or that don’t truly represent their income due to write-offs and business deductions.
Real estate investors looking for home buying tips should strongly consider a DSCR loan because it’s ideal for properties you intend to rent out or otherwise turn into income-generating properties.5 Whether you’re renting to a long-term tenant or operating a short-term rental business on platforms like Airbnb, a DSCR loan is a good option, especially if you don’t have W-2 income.
Some of the property types you can use a DSCR loan for include:
- Single-Family Residences (SFR):6 This includes single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.
- Multifamily properties: From 2-10 units.
- Rural properties: Acreage limitations apply, and the property’s income must be supported by comparable rents in the area. Many real estate investors tend to use DSCR loans for rental income properties7 to open up new revenue streams. If you’re interested in purchasing or building a property and are unsure whether you can use a DSCR loan, reach out to Everyday Lending. We can help you decide if a DSCR loan is right for you.
Types of DSCR Loans We Offer
Everyday Lending provides a comprehensive range of DSCR loan solutions tailored to your investment strategies:
- DSCR Purchase Loans: Whether you’re a new or experienced real estate investor, you can use a DSCR purchase loan to buy a rental property with no proof of personal income needed. Start or expand your real estate portfolio by qualifying using only the property’s rental income. We can fund DSCR loans for borrowers with a DSCR of less than 1.0 and a credit score as low as 620. Qualified borrowers can access up to $20,000,000 in financing.
- DSCR Home Equity Loans (HELOAN): Tap into the equity of your investment property with a DSCR Home Equity Loan. This investor-focused mortgage solution allows real estate investors to access their equity without touching their first mortgage. Access up to $500,000 in financing and qualify with a DSCR as low as 1.0.
- DSCR Cash-Out Refinance Loans: A DSCR cash-out refinance loan allows investors to leverage their equity to access large sums of cash. Investors can qualify for a DSCR cash-out refinance with a DSCR of less than 1.0. Qualified borrowers can borrow up to 75% of the property’s appraised value and get a loan amount of up to $5,000,000. Both a DSCR Home Equity Loan and a DSCR Cash-Out Refinance allow investors to tap into their equity and get large upfront sums. You can use the cash from either to expand your investment portfolio, consolidate debt, fund upgrades and renovations, cover business expenses, and much more. Keep in mind that while DSCR HELOANs allow you to avoid touching your first mortgage, DSCR cash-out refinance loans generally offer higher loan amounts, potentially lower rates, and more flexible qualifying requirements.
Today’s DSCR Loan Rates
(Please note: Real-time interest rates are highly variable and subject to market conditions. The following is for illustrative purposes only. For the most accurate and personalized rates, please contact one of our loan officers or use our online rate tool.)
Everyday Lending offers both fixed and adjustable-rate DSCR mortgages with no balloon payments. DSCR fixed rates are offered on 40-year, 30-year, and 15-year terms. DSCR adjustable rates are provided on 10-year, 7-year, 5-year, 1-year, and 6-month adjustment periods. All DSCR programs have the option for full amortization or interest-only payments upon approval,8 offering you maximum flexibility.
Where We Offer DSCR Loans
Everyday Lending offers DSCR loans in 45 states (plus the District of Columbia) to help real estate investors find an investment property in their ideal location. Regulations and terms related to DSCR loans can vary based on the region you’re buying in. Consulting with an experienced DSCR lender can help ensure that your transaction goes smoothly.9
Pros, Cons, and Other Considerations
When evaluating any financing option, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and understand any unique considerations. Below, we’ll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of DSCR loans, scenarios where they might not be ideal, and potential surprises to manage.
Pros of DSCR Loans
- Accessibility: Your eligibility for a DSCR loan is largely determined by the property’s DSCR. Since lenders primarily focus on the property’s income-generating potential rather than your personal finances, these loans are more accessible to a wider range of borrowers, including novice and veteran investors.
- Streamlined Approval Process: DSCR loans typically feature a streamlined application and approval process, often leading to faster closing times than other types of investment loans. Because you don’t have to submit extensive personal financial information, the application and underwriting process is more straightforward, and approvals are generally much faster.
- Unlimited Cash-Out: DSCR loans offer unlimited cash-in-hand options through refinance, which means you can continue accessing equity when needed to cover expenses like repairs or new acquisitions.
- No Limit on the Number of Properties: With DSCR loans, investors are not limited by the number of properties they can finance simultaneously. Unlike traditional loans, this allows you to purchase as many properties as you want to build your portfolio. DSCR loans can also have a multiplier effect; for instance, you can qualify for a loan with one property, then once it gains enough equity, you can refinance it and use the cash to purchase10 an an additional rental property.
- All Types of Rentals Eligible: DSCR loans can be used for all types of rentals, including short-term and long-term rentals, across various property types such as single-family and multi-family homes. Rural properties with limited acreage and supporting rental comps are also permitted.
- Borrower in an LLC: You can use a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to purchase investment properties for business purposes. Taking out the DSCR loan in the name of an LLC helps protect your personal assets, and if structured properly, the11 loan may not be reported to your personal credit report. This makes DSCR LLC mortgage loans perfect for real estate syndications, allowing syndicators to pool funds for down payments, purchase investment properties, and finance them using DSCR mortgage loans.
- Jumbo DSCR Loans: Everyday Lending offers jumbo DSCR loans of up to $20,000,000, ideal for real estate investors focusing on high-end luxury properties.
- Flexible Qualifying Requirements: DSCR loans are not subject to the strict requirements that conventional loan products must follow, allowing for greater flexibility when it comes to qualifying. Lenders may be able to look past a slightly lower credit score or down payment if there are other compensating factors or if the loan presents a strong opportunity. “A DSCR loan is low doc. When you’re applying for a conventional loan, you’re going to be bombarded with a bunch of conditions and requests for income documentation, past employment history, verification of employment, and so on. The docs that are requested are just a lot heavier on a full doc loan, while a DSCR loan keeps the stress lighter on the client throughout the transaction.”12 – Ryles Murray, Senior Loan Officer
Cons of DSCR Loans
Unfortunately, like all loan types, DSCR loans have some risks and drawbacks that may not make them suitable for every borrower.
- Large Down Payments: Most lenders typically require a larger down payment, often 20-40%, which may be higher than some conventional mortgages.
- Higher Interest Rates: DSCR rates are usually higher because these loans are considered riskier investments for the lender due to the lack of personal income verification. Additionally, the lender may require you to pay higher fees; the higher your loan amount, the more those will cost.
- Limited Financing Range: DSCR loans offer amounts from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $20,000,000. If you’re purchasing properties for under $100,000 or an extremely expensive property for over $20,000,000, these loans might not be suitable for you.
- For Rentals Only: DSCR loans are strictly for “buy and hold” rental properties. They cannot be used for a primary residence or to “fix and flip” a home. If you plan to flip a home, you’ll need another type of mortgage loan.
- Vacancies Impact Cash Flow: It’s normal for rental properties to experience vacancies periodically. However, if you have vacancies, you’re not generating cash flow. Lenders don’t assess your ability to repay your mortgage if your property or units are vacant, so you could face financial strain if cash flow isn’t consistent. (Note: Vacant properties can still qualify for DSCR financing, but they may have additional restrictions and limitations.)
- Prepayment Penalties: Most DSCR loans come with a prepayment penalty, typically ranging from one to five years. You may get a lower interest rate if you opt for a prepayment penalty, but it’s crucial to discuss the details with your loan officer. DSCR loans are available without prepayment penalties, and prepayment penalties can sometimes be bought out.
- No Fixer-Uppers: The property must be move-in ready for tenants and not in need of major repairs, renovations, or13 extensive construction. DSCR loans are not for properties that need to be rehabbed; the appraiser cannot mark the appraisal “subject14 to” completion of repairs.
- Unique Properties: Unique properties, such as very rural properties or those that cannot be easily compared to other similar properties in the area, can be difficult to finance using a DSCR loan.
When Not to Use a DSCR Loan
While DSCR loans can be a highly beneficial financing option for many real estate investors, there are certain scenarios in which using a DSCR loan may not be ideal:15
- When Purchasing a Primary Residence: DSCR loans are designed exclusively for investment properties, as the DSCR is calculated based on the rental income. If you’re buying a home to live in yourself, you would be better served by exploring traditional mortgage options tailored to owner-occupied properties.
- When You Want to Purchase16 a Distressed Property/Fix and Flip a Home: DSCR loans are not suitable for purchasing distressed properties or for fix-and-flip projects where the intention is to quickly renovate and resell for a profit. In these cases, short-term financing options like hard money loans or bridge loans may be more appropriate due to their flexibility and faster funding times.
- When Purchasing a Property Worth Less Than $100,000: DSCR loans17 are generally more suitable for financing larger real estate investments with higher property values. For properties valued at less than $100,000, the transaction costs and underwriting requirements associated with DSCR loans may outweigh the benefits.18 Alternative financing options may be more practical in such cases.
Managing DSCR Loan Surprises
When applying for a DSCR loan, several unexpected elements or surprises may arise that you should be aware of:
- Prepayment Penalties: Prepayment penalties are fees lenders charge if you pay off your loan earlier than the agreed-upon term, either by selling the home or refinancing the loan. The penalties are outlined in the loan agreement and can vary in terms of calculation method and amount.19
- 3-2-1 Prepayment Structure: The most common type is a 3-2-1, or step-down, meaning it decreases from 3% to 2% to 1% over three years. If you pay off the loan in year one, you’ll incur a 3% penalty; in year two, a 2% penalty; and in year three, a 1% penalty. After three years, there is no penalty.
- 5-4-3-2-1 Prepayment Structure: Some loans may have a longer structure, with penalties ranging from 1% to 5% depending on whether you pay off your mortgage in the 1st or 5th year.
- 6 Months of Interest: Depending on the prepayment penalty period (typically 1 to 5 years), you might face a penalty equal to 6 months of the interest portion of your mortgage payment if paid off before the specified period. “You need to make sure that you figure out what kind of prepayment penalty is being put on the loan because, in many cases, that’s not disclosed. DSCR loans don’t follow federal disclosure guidelines, so you technically don’t need to disclose anything at all until the end. We like to be transparent, so we actually send you a regular loan estimate that looks like what you’re getting on a conventional loan. This way, you know what your fees are and what your prepayment penalty is. You also know we vetted it out versus the rental income, so that the loan has a much higher chance of closing where it starts rather than changing along the way.” – Guy Troxler, Senior Loan Officer Prepayment penalties vary by lender, so it’s essential to understand your loan terms to determine the right time to pay it off. Most DSCR borrowers hold onto their properties for much longer than 3 to 5 years,20 so these penalties are unlikely to affect them.
- Hidden Fees: Always review the loan agreement carefully to identify any hidden fees or charges that may not have been clearly disclosed upfront. These fees could include loan origination fees, underwriting fees, or administrative fees. Lenders may present these fees on a “term sheet” rather than a “loan estimate.” Since DSCR loans are not Qualified Mortgages (QM), they are not held to the same federal TRID disclosure rules. We prioritize transparency and provide clear documentation.
- Appraisal Issues: The lender will require a property appraisal as part of the loan process to determine its value. Unexpected appraisal issues,21 such as lower-than-expected valuations of either the property’s value or the projected rental income, could impact loan eligibility or require additional money upfront from the borrower. An appraisal coming in lower than expected for either value or rent can cause the most fallout, but it doesn’t have to. It’s22 important to discuss your options upfront and be prepared with a plan B, which, in most cases, might involve a larger down payment.
- Market Conditions: Economic and market conditions can influence lending criteria and interest rates. Be prepared for potential changes in market conditions that may affect loan terms or23 the availability of financing.
Alternatives to DSCR Loans
While DSCR loans are an excellent tool for many investors, if you decide a DSCR loan isn’t right for you or you don’t qualify, Everyday Lending offers a range of other mortgage options to help you build your portfolio:
- Private Money Loans: Also known as hard money loans, these provide borrowers with quick access to capital and relatively short loan terms. They offer streamlined approval and funding timelines and can be used for bridge loans, construction loans, rescue purchase loans, long-term purchase loans, or refinance loans.
- Bank Statement Loans: Qualify for a real estate loan using alternative underwriting methods. Instead of sending us your pay stubs and W2s, we’ll review your bank statements to determine your eligibility.24
- Asset-Based Loans: These loans allow you to qualify for a mortgage by converting your assets into income, rather than solely using them as collateral. You can qualify using bank, investment, and retirement accounts.
- Jumbo Loans: Ideal for investors who need a higher loan amount for high-end luxury properties, with more flexible down payment and DTI requirements. These loans are best suited for high-income earners.
Engaging With DSCR Lenders
If you’re interested in securing a DSCR mortgage, it’s crucial to work with the right lender. Not only that, but effectively communicating with your lender and developing a strategy will help you achieve your investment goals. We encourage you to ask questions and fully understand the process.