DSCR Loan Requirements | Credit, Down Payment & DSCR
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Requirements · DSCR loans

DSCR loan requirements.

Everything you need to qualify — credit, down payment, DSCR ratio, reserves, property type, and documents — with no tax returns, W-2s, or DTI.

From 600 FICOFrom 15% downDSCR 0.75–1.0+No income docs
From 600
FICO
15–25%
down
0.75–1.0+
DSCR
3–6 mo
reserves

Check if you qualify

Send the property and rent — we’ll confirm the DSCR and your terms, no hard credit pull.

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The short answer

To qualify for a DSCR loan you generally need a 620+ credit score (some programs from 600), 20–25% down (up to 85% LTV), a DSCR near 1.0 (some lenders to 0.75), and 3–6 months of reserves, on an eligible non-owner-occupied property. There are no tax returns, W-2s, or DTI — you qualify on the property’s rent.

Min credit
from 600
Down payment
15–25%
DSCR
0.75–1.0+
Reserves
3–6 months
Occupancy
Investment only
Income docs
None
Meet these and the deal’s yours.Get a same-day eligibility check, no hard pull.
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The requirements

DSCR loan requirements in detail

RequirementTypicalNotes
Credit scorefrom 600660–760+ for best rate & LTV
Down payment15–25%Up to 85% LTV on strong files
DSCR ratio0.75–1.0+1.20+ earns the best pricing
Reserves3–6 moOf PITIA; more for larger portfolios
Loan amount$75K–$5M+SFR to multifamily & mixed-use
Property typeInvestmentSFR, condo, 2-4 unit, STR, multifamily
Cash-out LTVup to 75–80%Slightly lower than purchase
DocumentsLease / 1007No tax returns, W-2s, or DTI

Typical 2026 guidelines; actual requirements vary by lender, property, and state. Subject to approval.

How they flex

Requirements aren’t one-size-fits-all

DSCR requirements move together. A lower DSCR can still work if you raise the down payment, add reserves, or bring a stronger credit score — lenders trade one strength against another.

The biggest pricing lever is credit + LTV: a 760 score at 75% LTV prices far better than a 620 score at 85% LTV. The biggest approval lever is the DSCR itself — if the property cash-flows, most other boxes get easier to check.

Short-term rentals, multifamily, and condos can carry slightly different minimums, and a few states add their own wrinkles (insurance, rent rules), which is why a quick property-specific check beats a generic chart.

  • Higher credit → lower rate & higher LTV
  • Bigger down payment → lower DSCR accepted
  • More reserves → more flexibility
  • Interest-only → higher qualifying DSCR
  • Stronger DSCR → easier overall approval
FAQ

DSCR requirements FAQ

What are the requirements for a DSCR loan?+
Typically a 620+ credit score (some programs from 600), 20–25% down (up to 85% LTV), a DSCR around 1.0 (some lenders to 0.75), 3–6 months of reserves, and an eligible non-owner-occupied property. No tax returns, W-2s, or DTI are required.
What is the minimum credit score for a DSCR loan?+
Many lenders start at 620, and some go to 600. Higher scores (660–760+) unlock lower rates and higher LTV. Credit is one of the main pricing levers since there’s no income to evaluate.
What is the minimum down payment on a DSCR loan?+
Usually 20–25%, with the strongest files reaching 85% LTV (15% down) on a purchase. Cash-out refinances generally cap around 75–80% of value.
What is the minimum DSCR to qualify?+
1.0 is the common target (rent covers the payment). Many programs allow down to about 0.75 with compensating factors like a larger down payment, more reserves, or stronger credit.
What documents does a DSCR loan require?+
A lease or market-rent estimate (Form 1007), ID, proof of reserves, and entity documents if closing in an LLC. No tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or employment verification.
Are reserves required for a DSCR loan?+
Usually yes — about 3–6 months of PITIA in reserves, depending on the program, loan size, and number of properties you own.

Tick the boxes? Let’s close.

Send a DSCR specialist the property and rent for a same-day eligibility check. No tax returns, no DTI.

Cambridge Home Loan — DSCR requirements are general guidelines for non-owner-occupied investment properties and vary by lender, property, and state. Not a commitment to lend. Cambridge Home Loan, NMLS #1826020. Terms, rates, points, and eligibility are illustrative and current as of June 2026, subject to credit approval, property eligibility, and underwriting, and are not a commitment to lend. This is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Equal Housing Lender.

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