# How do OSFI guidelines impact multi-unit financing?

> OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) sets the rules for how banks and other federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs) operate.

Category: Investor
Last verified: 2026-02-18
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/investor/how-do-osfi-guidelines-impact-multi-unit-financing

## Answer
| Feature          | Residential (1-4 Units) | Commercial (5+ Units) |
|------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Governing Guideline | Guideline B-20          | Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) |
| Risk Assessment  | Individual Borrower     | Property Income Potential  |

## Institutional highlights
- These rules mainly apply to mortgages for properties with one to four homes in them.
- The rules apply to banks and other lenders that are regulated by the federal government.
- Your lender will look at your overall financial situation to make sure you can afford your mortgage payments.
- Lenders with riskier mortgages need to be extra careful in how they manage things.
- Lenders have to share details about their mortgages, like how many are insured and how much people borrowed compared to the property value.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/commercial-residential-investors

## Sources
- I. Purpose and scope of the guideline — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#1.0
- Chapter 6 – Securitization — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/capital-adequacy-requirements-car-2026-chapter-6-securitization#toc-id-0
- Disclosure requirements — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#3.1