# How do lender practices and the 2026 CAR guidelines affect renewals?

> There is no explicit mention in current regulations about 2026 CAR guidelines or rental income double-counting for investment portfolios. For rental and investment properties, the main rules are a maximum 80% loan-to-value (LTV) and a minimum 20% down payment.

Category: Renewal
Last verified: 2026-04-14
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/renewal/how-do-lender-practices-and-the-2026-car-guidelines-affect-renewals

## Answer
### Section Summary

- Rental/Investment Property Rule: Maximum 80% LTV and 20% minimum down payment required.
- No stress test requalification is required for straight switch/transfer at renewal.
- Current Prime Rate is 4.45% and 5-year fixed rates are around 4.29%.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/blend-and-extend-strategy

## Sources
- How will mortgage payments change at renewal? — https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2025/07/staff-analytical-note-2025-21/#The-results
- Clarifying OSFI's guidance on rental income — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/risks/real-estate-secured-lending/clarifying-osfis-guidance-rental-income-mortgage-classification