A couple with two rentals bought a new build townhouse with 20 percent down. Ratios of about 42 and 52 percent put it outside A lender limits, so it went to an alternative lender and was approved the next day.
Client details are changed or removed and figures are rounded to protect privacy.
Written by A.I.M.I. Collective Mortgage Group, Brokerage editorial team
Published October 2026 · Last reviewed 5 October 2026
Official sources: Canada Revenue Agency, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)
A couple who already owned two rental properties was buying a new build townhouse to live in. Their credit was excellent, but once the new mortgage, the rentals and their other obligations were counted, the ratios landed well above what an A lender will accept. Subject removal was only five days after submission.
Eight years in the profession and with the same clinic employer since 2017, about $78,000 a year.
Since 2019 he has also billed through his own corporation for a 50 percent share of patient revenue. The clinic supplies the space and equipment, so expenses are minimal. About $32,000 a year.
Six years in the same sector, recently moved to a new employer. About $44,500 a year.
Rents of about $2,700 and $1,550 a month.
With a TDS above 50 percent there was no point testing A lenders. The file went straight to an alternative lender that weighs credit and equity alongside ratios.
The note set out the revenue share, who supplies the facility and equipment, and why expenses are low, so the self employed income read as stable.
The second applicant had changed employers recently, so the note led with six years in the same sector.
The purchase price was presented with GST added and the builder credit deducted, so the lender saw the real number.
Both rents were listed, and the 20 percent down payment and closing costs came entirely from own resources.
When ratios are clearly over A limits, go to the right lender first. It saves days on a tight subject removal.
Revenue share, who covers expenses and how long it has run turn corporation income into qualifying income.
GST and builder credits change the purchase price and the down payment. Get the final figure right before you submit.
A recent job change in the same field is a strength when you present it that way. See self employed mortgages.
Brokers here have A, alternative and private lenders on one panel, so a file that misses A limits is placed the same day instead of being shopped. The Deal Desk helps when the right shelf is not obvious.
Have a file like this?
Book a discovery call and see how head office backs your deals.
Book a discovery callHow brokers here package self employed and incorporated borrowers, and which lenders fit each profile.