MLI Select

Q: Is an Energy Simulation or Audit required?

Yes , if you are claiming any points for Energy Efficiency. CMHC requires that a qualified professional (such as a licensed Energy Advisor or Engineer) prepare a certified Energy Simulation Report to validate your potential score before you apply. We use approved modeling software to demonstrate how your building will meet or exceed the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

Q: Can I retrofit an existing building to qualify?

Yes . Existing properties can qualify for Energy Efficiency points by demonstrating a specific reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to their current baseline. Level 1 (20 pts): 15% reduction Level 2 (35 pts): 25% reduction Level 3 (50 pts): 40% reduction

Q: Can I combine points from different categories?

Yes . You do not need to get all your points from one category. For example, many developers combine Energy Efficiency points (which are often the most cost-effective to achieve) with Affordability or Accessibility commitments to reach the 50, 70, or 100-point thresholds required for their financing goals.

Unlock 95% LTV and 50-Year Amortization

The MLI Select program helps multi-unit building owners and developers access flexible financing terms by offering reduced mortgage loan insurance premiums, extended amortization periods of up to 50 years, and loan-to-value ratios of up to 95%. This points-based program is designed to encourage the creation and preservation of sustainable rental stock by rewarding borrowers who commit to specific social outcomes in affordability, accessibility, and energy efficiency. By aligning financing incentives with these goals, MLI Select makes it more financially viable to build and maintain high-quality, inclusive multi-unit housing projects across Canada.

Minimum qualification requires 50 points, but reaching 100 points allows you to unlock the maximum benefits: 95% LTV and the lowest insurance premiums.

How the process works

Step 1 — Book Your Consultation

We review your multi-unit project (new construction or retrofit) to evaluate your current projected score. We help you identify the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures to help you reach the 50, 70, or 100-point thresholds required for premium incentives.

Step 2 — Energy Simulation & Modeling

Our qualified Energy Advisors prepare the required Energy Simulation Report and pre-construction documentation. This is the critical “proof” you must submit to your approved lender to validate your energy efficiency points and secure your funding approval.

Step 3 — Secure Funding & Build

Once your application is approved by CMHC, you proceed with the construction or renovation work. We remain available to consult on any changes to ensuring the project stays compliant with the initial energy commitments.

Step 4 — Final Verification

After the project is substantially complete, we return to conduct the final verification. We confirm that the installed upgrades or construction details match the energy model and meet the specific efficiency targets set out in your application.

Step 5 — Final Attestation

We complete and sign the CMHC Attestation for Energy Efficiency. This mandatory document confirms that the “Energy Efficiency Criteria” has been satisfied and must be submitted to your lender within 60 days of the final advance.

How the MLI Select point system works

Use the charts below to help you determine your MLI Select score.

Existing properties – Point Distribution

Affordability – Rent Levels (10 year affordability commitment¹)			Energy Efficiency and GHGs Reductions over current performance			Accessibility²
50 points	70 Points	100 Points	20 Points	35 Points	50 Points	20 Points	30 Points
40% of units at 30% of median renter income	60% of units at 30% of median renter income	80% of units at 30% of median renter income	15% reduction	25% reduction	40%  reduction	There is a requirement for all levels that all units in the building (ie., both accessible and non-accessible units) are 100% visitable* in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard B651:23 and common areas are barrier free in accordance with B651:23
40% of units at 30% of median renter income	60% of units at 30% of median renter income	80% of units at 30% of median renter income	15% reduction	25% reduction	40%  reduction	Min. 15% of the units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR Min. 15% of units are universal design. OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 (60%-79% score)	Min. 15% of units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 and Min. 85% of units are universal design. OR 100% of units are universal design OR 100% of units are accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 “Gold”  (score of 80% or better)

* CSA definition of visitable – In relation to residential accommodation, any dwelling [unit] that offers a basic level of access to accommodate visitors such as people who use a wheeled mobility aid, people who are elderly, or residents who might have a temporary disability. Visitable dwellings allow a person to enter a dwelling safely, manoeuvre independently throughout the visitable level, and use the toilet facilities.

Existing properties – Insurance Flexibilities

Premium	LTV	DCR³	Amortization	Recourse or Limited Recourse	Replacement Reserve
Min. 50 pts	Fees and premiums at-a-glance	Up to 85%	Min. 1.1	Up to 40 years	Recourse	Discretionary
Min. 70 pts		Up to 95%		Up to 45 years	Recourse
Min. 100 pts		Up to 95%		Up to 50 years	Limited-Recourse

New Construction – Point Distribution

Affordability – Rent Levels (10 year affordability commitment¹)			Energy Efficiency and GHGs Reductions over 2020 NECB / 2020 NBC			Accessibility²
50 points	70 Points	100 Points	20 Points	35 Points	50 Points	20 Points	30 Points
10% of units at 30% of median renter income	15% of units at 30% of median renter income	25% of units at 30% of median renter income	Min. 25% better than NECB Tier 1 OR Min. 20% better than NBC Tier 1	Min. 50% better than NECB Tier 1 OR Min. 40% better than NBC Tier 1	Min. 60% better than NECB Tier 1 OR Min. 70% better than NBC Tier 1	There is a requirement for all levels that all units in the building (ie., both accessible and non-accessible units) are 100% visitable* in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard B651:23 and common areas are barrier free in accordance with B651:23
10% of units at 30% of median renter income	15% of units at 30% of median renter income	25% of units at 30% of median renter income				Min. 15% of the units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR Min. 15% of units are universal design. OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 (60%-79% score)	Min. 15% of units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 and Min. 85% of units are universal design. OR 100% of units are universal design OR 100% of units are accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 “Gold”  (score of 80% or better)

New Construction – Insurance Flexibilities

Premium	LTC	DCR³	Amortization	Recourse or Limited Recourse	Replacement Reserve
Min. 50 pts	Fees and premiums at-a-glance	Up to 95%	Min. 1.1	Up to 40 years	Recourse	Discretionary
Min. 70 pts				Up to 45 years	Recourse
Min. 100 pts				Up to 50 years	Limited-Recourse

¹For borrowers making an affordability commitment of 20+ years, an additional 30 points are awarded
²Buildings must be 100% Visitable (CSA B651-2023 Visitability)
³Min. DCR of 1.10 for standard rental housing, 1.20 for other shelter models, 1.4 for non-residential space

Eligibility requirements

Our mortgage loan flexibilities are available for both new and existing projects. They can be used for standard rental buildings, single room occupancies (SRO), supportive housing and retirement homes. Student housing projects are only eligible to qualify under energy efficiency and accessibility.
To be eligible your project must have a minimum of 5 units except retirement homes where a minimum of 50 units/beds is required. Non-residential space must not exceed 30% of the gross floor area nor 30% of total lending value.
The project must not be subject to any prohibition under the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act.

Affordability criteria

Your project must meet a set of key criteria related to affordability. For MLI Select, affordability qualification is based on median renter income (XLSX) for both existing properties and new construction projects.
If renter income data is not available for your specific market, we will accept income data from comparable centres, provincial data or comparable rural centres.
Affordability criteria applies for a minimum of 10 years with borrowers committing to 20 years receiving an additional 30 points.
The base affordable rents for the designated affordable units must not increase by an amount greater than the annual increase permitted under applicable legislation/regulations. In the absence of legislation/regulations limiting the annual increase applicable to the subject unit, then rent increases will be limited to the applicable consumer price index for rented accommodations, as indicated in the row entitled “Rented accommodation” in the applicable Statistics Canada table: Consumer Price Index, Shelter, by Province or Territory–Rented Accommodation.

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A certified Energy Simulation is required to validate your efficiency points for CMHC MLI Select. Schedule your assessment to determine your project’s potential score and ensure you meet the requirements for funding approval.

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Frequently asked questions

How does the MLI Select point system work?

To qualify for MLI Select, your project must achieve a minimum score of 50 points. Points can be earned across three categories: Affordability, Accessibility, and Energy Efficiency. While 50 points is the minimum for entry, achieving a score of 100 points unlocks the maximum benefits, including the lowest insurance premiums and amortization periods of up to 50 years.

Is an Energy Simulation or Audit required?

Yes, if you are claiming any points for Energy Efficiency. CMHC requires that a qualified professional (such as a licensed Energy Advisor or Engineer) prepare a certified Energy Simulation Report to validate your potential score before you apply. We use approved modeling software to demonstrate how your building will meet or exceed the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

When do I need to submit my energy documentation?

You need to submit documentation at two key stages. First, during your initial loan application, your lender requires the Energy Simulation Report to prove your “commitment” to the efficiency targets. Second, within 60 days of the project’s completion, we must return to verify the work and sign a final Attestation confirming the targets were met.

Can I retrofit an existing building to qualify?

Yes. Existing properties can qualify for Energy Efficiency points by demonstrating a specific reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to their current baseline.

Level 1 (20 pts): 15% reduction
Level 2 (35 pts): 25% reduction
Level 3 (50 pts): 40% reduction

Can I combine points from different categories?

Yes. You do not need to get all your points from one category. For example, many developers combine Energy Efficiency points (which are often the most cost-effective to achieve) with Affordability or Accessibility commitments to reach the 50, 70, or 100-point thresholds required for their financing goals.