Ontario Mortgage Decision Centre
Choose the concern closest to yours. The useful answer may depend on the documents, property, timing and lender policy—not simply whether one lender said yes or no.
Find the answer from your problem
Separate the real lender concern from assumptions.
Income · credit · debt ratios · property · down paymentShow me where to start →02Show how the business earns before choosing a lender route.
A lending · bank statements · financials · T1 approachShow me where to start →03Understand the bureau, timing and cause—not only the score.
Equifax · TransUnion · utilization · collections · recoveryShow me where to start →04Compare the complete decision before signing early.
Rate · payment · penalty · switching cost · flexibilityShow me where to start →05Match the purpose, cost and exit plan to the right structure.
Debt consolidation · renovations · investment · CRA debtShow me where to start →06Test the rental calculation and portfolio effect by lender route.
Subject rent · existing rentals · cash flow · reservesShow me where to start →07Work backward from the deadline and available equity.
Appraisal · funds to close · job change · urgent alternativesShow me where to start →How the answer is built
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Property type, legal use, insurance, appraisal, taxes, condo information and closing dates can change the mortgage answer. Connect both sides before the transaction becomes difficult to reverse.
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Tell Rajiv what you are trying to accomplish and what the lender has already said. He can help identify the questions and responsible options worth exploring next.
Published mortgage guidance
Use the guided situations above or search every published answer, concept and strategy.
Rule
Possibly. Being on maternity or parental leave is not an automatic mortgage decline. The lender will decide whether to use your current leave income, your confirmed return-to-work income, or a more cautious amount after reviewing the leave dates, employer letter, benefit evidence and expected return.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
Yes. A preapproval or commitment does not prevent the lender or mortgage insurer from asking for updated documents or re-verifying employment before funding. The file may not always be re-checked, but you should plan as if a material change will be discovered.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
It may be usable, but temporary and long-term benefits are not treated the same. The lender will usually examine the benefit source, amount, taxable status, review conditions and expected continuation before deciding what income can support the mortgage.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
Often yes, when the pension income is current, documented and expected to continue. The lender will still check the type of benefit, gross amount, taxes, debts and whether the proposed mortgage payment works on the borrower’s retirement cash flow.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
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Expect to provide the signed separation agreement or court order and a bank trail showing what was actually paid or received. Depending on the lender, you may also need proof of arrears status, enforcement records and confirmation of how long the payments continue.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
It can affect either side of the mortgage calculation. Documented support received may be considered income under some lender policies, while support you must pay is normally treated as an ongoing obligation. The court order or written agreement and proof of payment matter more than a verbal arrangement.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
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Yes, some lenders will combine both jobs when the hours and earnings are stable and sustainable. The important issue is not the number of employers; it is whether the lender can verify the income, history and likelihood that both jobs will continue.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
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Sometimes. Two years is a common way to show that variable income is stable, but it is not a universal statute. A lender may use a shorter documented history when the income is consistent and well supported, or it may use only guaranteed base pay.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
No universal Canadian rule automatically declines every borrower on probation. It is a lender-risk decision. The answer depends on the job change, industry continuity, guaranteed income, employment history, strength of the file and whether an insurer is involved.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
Some lenders may, but it is not automatic. A clear employer letter confirming your position, guaranteed salary or hours and return date can support the request, while the lender or mortgage insurer still decides whether that future income is acceptable for the file.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
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