Programs and incentives
MLI Select
CMHC mortgage loan insurance flexibilities for rental buildings with 5 or more units.
Program status : Program in effect
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) MLI Select program gives owners of rental buildings flexibilities on mortgage loan insurance for the construction, purchase or refinancing of multi-unit residential buildings with 5 or more units. It was designed to preserve and create affordable, accessible and energy-efficient housing.
Flexibilities offered
Among other things, MLI Select can give you access to the following flexibilities:
- A higher loan-to-value ratio;
- A longer amortization period (up to 50 years at the maximum level of 100 points; 40 years from 50 points, 45 years from 70 points);
- A lower down payment;
- Lower minimum debt coverage ratios;
- And reduced insurance premiums.
Our support
Our team of qualified specialists can help you access the program’s flexibilities through an energy efficiency assessment. We will support you in validating the commitments of your application by producing a report and a software-based energy simulation, both required for your financial institution to submit your file to CMHC.
Only an engineer, an architect, a certified engineering technologist or a certified energy manager (CEM) can produce a compliant energy model.
Is your project a new construction? You could already qualify for energy efficiency level 1 by choosing a Novoclimat certified building.
The points system
Flexibilities are determined through a CMHC points system covering three separate categories. Points vary with the levels reached and certain criteria in each category. Borrowers can therefore commit to one or more levels, but must reach a minimum of 50 points to qualify for some of the MLI Select benefits.
Energy efficiency
This result is assessed by the percentage improvement in your building’s energy performance compared with a baseline: the building code in force for new buildings, or the current performance, before improvements, of an existing building.
| Level | New buildings | Existing properties |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (20 points) | At least 20% better than NECB/NBC requirements | Minimum 15% reduction from current baseline levels |
| Level 2 (35 points) | At least 25% better than NECB/NBC requirements | Minimum 25% reduction from current baseline levels |
| Level 3 (50 points) | At least 40% better than NECB/NBC requirements | Minimum 40% reduction from current baseline levels |
Accessibility
This result is assessed by the percentage of all units deemed accessible under CSA standard B651-18 or universal design, or holding a Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification. See the scoring table and criteria for this category on the CMHC website.
Affordability
This result is assessed by the percentage of units in the project with rents at or below the threshold set for the target market. See the scoring table and criteria for this category on the CMHC website.
MLI Select offers many benefits. For more information on the program, or to better understand the criteria and options that apply to your project, contact us and we will support you.
Useful resources
Other programs and incentives
A rental building project eligible for MLI Select?
We produce the energy report and simulation required by CMHC.
