Editor’s note: This post has been fully updated in 2026 for current Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA guidelines on using rental income to qualify for a mortgage.

If you own rental property — or you’re buying one — that income can often be used to help you qualify for a mortgage. But “often” is doing some work in that sentence. How much of the rent counts, what documentation you’ll need, and how it’s calculated all depend on whether you already own the property, whether it’s currently leased, and which loan program you’re using. [Read more…]