How Positive Rent Payment History Can Help Long-term Renters Qualify For a Home Mortgage

Positive rent payment history is a factor that some lenders take into consideration when evaluating a homebuyer's ability to repay a mortgage. Let's get into more details. 

Have you always paid your rent on time?

If so, your positive rent payment history may be able to help when it comes to qualifying for your first home loan. Fannie Mae®, Freddie Mac®, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have programs available to help renters have access to homeownership. Renters also have the option to report positive rent history to the credit bureaus to help establish, maintain, or improve their credit scores.

Through the qualification process, your lender will verify that you have made recurring rent payments for the past 12 months by automatically identifying them in your bank statements. No extra paperwork!

You’ll need to consider a few eligibility requirements:

• You must be a first-time homebuyer purchasing a principal residence or have not owned a residential property in a three-year period from date of purchase
• Are purchasing the home as a primary residence
• Have a credit score of at least 620
• Rented a home or apartment for at least 12 months
• Made rent payments of $300 or more per month
• Be able to provide documentation of 12 months of recurring rent payments

Qualification may apply to rent payments made by check or electronically via any digital payment platform like Venmo®, PayPal®, Zelle® if they appear in your bank statements.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking to buy your first home, your history of paying rent may positively impact your mortgage approval. It's not too good to be true!

How Our Organization Serves Underserved Communities

We are not only a mortgage lender and servicer; we are committed to being the premier provider of affordable home financing solutions for all communities. As part of corporate responsibility and affordable lending objectives, we continue to make a meaningful impact, fostering inclusivity, and empowering individuals and communities to thrive through the power of homeownership. Join us as we work towards a future where homeownership is accessible to all, regardless of income or background. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive housing market.

Reach out today to learn more!

Fannie Mae® is a registered trademark of the Federal National Mortgage Association.  Freddie Mac® is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Venmo® and PayPal® are registered trademarks of PayPal, Inc. Zelle® is a registered trademark of Early Warning Systems, Inc. [Caliber Home Loans, Inc./Newrez LLC/The Company] and any above-mentioned companies are not affiliated.