As a rental property owner, you build valuable equity in your investments over time. Accessing this equity can provide funds for renovations, acquiring new properties, or covering unexpected expenses. Home equity loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) offer ways to tap into this value, though the process differs from borrowing against a primary residence.

Key takeaways

• Getting a home equity loan or HELOC on a rental property is possible, but it involves stricter criteria than for primary homes.
• Lenders often apply stricter credit, loan-to-value, income, and reserve requirements than for primary residences, but specific thresholds vary significantly by lender.
• Fewer financial institutions offer these products for non-owner-occupied homes, making targeted research essential.
• You can find these products through various lenders, including national banks, credit unions, portfolio lenders, and online lending platforms.
• Understanding the eligibility requirements, costs, and tax implications is crucial before applying.

Home equity loans vs. HELOCs

When considering borrowing against your rental property, you'll likely look at two main options: home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Both allow you to access equity, but they function differently. Choosing the right type of loan for investment property depends on how you plan to use the funds.

A home equity loan provides a lump sum of cash upfront. It typically comes with a fixed interest rate, meaning your monthly payments remain consistent over the life of the loan. This makes budgeting predictable.

A HELOC acts more like a credit card. You are approved for a maximum credit limit based on your property's equity. You can draw funds as needed during a set draw period, often paying only interest on the amount used. After the draw period, the repayment phase begins, usually requiring principal and interest payments.

Comparison of home equity products for rental properties

Here's a comparison to help clarify the differences between home equity loans vs. HELOCs.

Understanding these distinctions helps you determine which product aligns best with your financial strategy for your rental property loans.

Where to find lenders for rental property equity loans

Finding the right lender for a home equity loan or HELOC on a rental property requires some research. Not all lenders offer these products for non-owner-occupied homes, and their terms may be less favorable. Fewer financial institutions offer investment property HELOCs, so knowing where to look can save you time and help you find competitive rates for rental property financing.

Consider exploring different types of financial institutions. Each may have different eligibility criteria and product offerings.

Types of lenders

You can typically find lenders offering home equity products on investment properties in several categories:

• National banks: Some banks offer home equity products for investment properties, but availability varies by lender, state, and property type. Bank of America is one current example.
• Credit unions: Member-owned institutions may offer home equity products, though eligibility often requires membership and many programs are limited to owner-occupied properties or second homes.
• Portfolio lenders: Community banks and credit unions that keep loans on their books rather than selling on the secondary market. These lenders can set their own underwriting standards, often providing more flexibility for real estate investors with unique situations.
• Online lending platforms: Platforms like Baselane connect real estate investors with lending partners offering HELOCs and other financing options, streamlining the application process.
• Mortgage brokers: Brokers work with multiple lenders and can help you compare options and find a product that fits your specific situation and property type.

Shopping around and comparing terms from different types of lenders is highly recommended. This helps ensure you get the best possible rate and terms for your needs.

Examples of lenders

Lenders that currently advertise home equity products for eligible investment properties include Bank of America and TD Bank. Baselane also connects investors with Figure for HELOCs on eligible primary or rental properties. Availability and terms vary by location and borrower eligibility.

Note that availability and terms can vary by location and over time. Always contact the lender directly to confirm their current offerings for investment properties and your eligibility.

The application process

Applying for a home equity loan or HELOC on a rental property follows a similar general process to a primary residence, but with added steps for property and income verification. Preparation is key to a smooth application. Gathering all necessary documents beforehand can significantly expedite the process.

Here are the typical steps involved:

1. Determine loan amount and type: Decide how much equity you need to access and whether a lump sum (Home Equity Loan) or flexible credit line (HELOC) is best. Consider your purpose for the funds, such as funding renovations or expanding your portfolio with rental property financing.
2. Shop for lenders: Research banks, credit unions, portfolio lenders, and online platforms that specifically offer home equity products for investment properties. Compare interest rates, fees, and terms offered for rental properties.
3. Pre-qualification or pre-approval: Some lenders offer a pre-qualification or pre-approval step. This gives you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow based on a preliminary review of your finances.
4. Submit a formal application: Complete the official loan application. You will need to provide detailed financial information, including income, assets, debts, and specifics about the rental property.
5. Provide documentation: Submit required documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, proof of cash reserves, and rental-specific documents like property income statements, rent rolls, and lease agreements. Lenders use this to verify your financial health and the property's performance. Note that lenders typically count only 75-80% of rental income to account for potential vacancies. Keeping these documents organized is crucial. Managing your property finances using a platform like Baselane can help ensure you have accurate income and expense data readily available.
6. Property appraisal: The lender will order an appraisal to determine the current market value of your rental property. This is used to calculate the available equity and LTV.
7. Underwriting: The lender's underwriter reviews your application, documentation, appraisal, and credit history. They assess the risk and decide whether to approve the loan.
8. Closing: If approved, you will sign the final loan documents at closing. Funds are then disbursed (lump sum for a loan, available for draw for a HELOC).

The process may take several weeks, similar to other mortgage-related transactions. Being proactive and organized with your documentation can help minimize delays.

Pros and cons of using your rental property's equity

Tapping into your rental property's equity can be a powerful financial tool, but it comes with potential benefits and risks. Weighing these carefully is essential for making an informed decision. Accessing equity can help you grow your portfolio, but it also adds leverage and potential liability.

Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Access to capital: Provides funds for various purposes, such as property renovations, purchasing new investments, or covering large expenses. This can fuel further growth in your real estate business. Leveraging existing assets can be a smart way to acquire additional rental property loans.
• Lower interest rates: Generally, interest rates on home equity products are lower than unsecured personal loans or credit cards. This makes it a potentially more affordable way to borrow.
• Tax deductions: Interest paid on a home equity loan or HELOC used to buy, build, or substantially improve the property securing the debt may be tax-deductible on Schedule E. For HELOCs taken on a primary residence but used to fund rental property investments, IRS interest tracing rules (Temp. Treas. Reg. §1.163-8T) allow the interest to be deductible on Schedule E when funds are properly traced to the investment use. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed in July 2025, permanently extended the federal qualified-residence mortgage interest rules, while separate tracing rules continue to determine whether interest is deductible for rental or investment use. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
• Flexibility (with HELOC): A HELOC provides a revolving line of credit, offering flexibility to draw funds as needed during the draw period. This is useful for ongoing projects or unexpected costs.

Cons:

• Adds debt: You are taking on additional debt secured by your property. This increases your financial obligations and the risk of default if you cannot make payments.
• Property is collateral: Your rental property serves as collateral for the loan. If you default, the lender could foreclose on the property. Unlike primary residences, lenders may pursue foreclosure more aggressively on investment properties. This puts your investment at risk.
• Closing costs: These loans come with closing costs, which can include appraisal fees, origination fees, and title insurance, adding to the overall expense.
• Higher interest rates: Rates on investment property home equity products are 0.5% to 1.5% higher than those for primary residences, reflecting the additional risk lenders perceive with rental properties.
• Variable rates (with HELOC): HELOC interest rates are typically variable, meaning payments can increase if market interest rates rise. This adds uncertainty to your monthly budgeting.Carefully assess your financial situation and risk tolerance before leveraging your property's equity. Ensure you have a solid plan for using the funds and repaying the loan.

Costs to expect

Obtaining a home equity loan or HELOC on a rental property involves various costs beyond the interest rate. These fees can add up and affect the total cost of borrowing. Understanding these expenses is important for accurately budgeting for the loan. Be sure to ask lenders for a full breakdown of all associated costs.

Typical costs may include:

• Appraisal fee: Cost to determine the property's current market value.
• Origination fee: A fee charged by the lender for processing the loan.
• Title insurance: Protects the lender (and sometimes the borrower) against defects in the property title.
• Closing fee: Fees charged for handling the closing process.
• Recording fees: Government fees for recording the mortgage document.
• Attorney fees: If required by state law or lender policy.
• Annual fee (for HELOCs): Some HELOCs charge an annual fee for maintaining the line of credit.

These costs can vary significantly depending on the lender and loan amount. Ask for a loan estimate that details all closing costs. Comparing fees across different lenders is just as important as comparing interest rates.

Alternatives to home equity products

While home equity loans and HELOCs are viable options, they aren't the only ways to access capital from your rental property. Other financing strategies might better suit your goals or circumstances.

Exploring these alternatives can help you find the most advantageous approach to fund your investment activities. The best type of loan for investment property depends on your specific needs.

Some alternatives include:

• Cash-out refinance: This involves refinancing your existing mortgage for a larger amount than you currently owe and taking the difference in cash. The new loan replaces your old one, typically with a new interest rate and term. This can be useful if current mortgage rates are favorable, potentially locking in a lower rate on the entire loan amount.

• Portfolio loans: Some banks, particularly local or regional ones, offer portfolio loans that they keep on their books rather than selling on the secondary market. These lenders may have more flexible criteria for real estate investors with multiple properties.

• DSCR loans: Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans qualify borrowers based on the property's cash flow rather than personal income, making them attractive for investors with complex tax situations or multiple properties.

• Hard money or private money loans: These are short-term, high-interest loans typically used for flipping properties or bridge financing. They focus more on the property's value and potential than the borrower's credit score. While fast, they are significantly more expensive than traditional financing.

• Business loans: Business financing may be available, but SBA loans generally are not designed to finance passive rental investment property.

• Commercial loans: For larger or multi-unit properties, a commercial loan for rental property might be an option.

These loans are designed for commercial real estate and have different terms and requirements from residential loans.

Each alternative has its own set of requirements, pros, and cons. Researching all available options is crucial before committing to a financing strategy. Platforms that help you manage your rental property finances can be beneficial regardless of the financing method you choose, helping you track expenses and income efficiently.

Bottom line

Accessing the equity in your rental property through a home equity loan or HELOC is a viable strategy for real estate investors seeking capital. While requirements are stricter than for primary residences, understanding and meeting lender criteria makes it possible. Shop around among different lender types, including portfolio lenders and online platforms, and compare offers to find the best terms for your investment goals.

Successfully managing your rental property finances is crucial, whether you take out a loan or not. Baselane provides integrated banking, bookkeeping, and rent collection tools designed specifically for landlords, helping you gain financial clarity and keep your documentation organized for loan applications. Sign up today.