MLI Select
Multi-unit Mortgage Loan Insurance
Here’s a breakdown of what MLI Select is, how it works, and what you should watch out for.
What is MLI Select?
MLI Select is a Multi-Unit Mortgage Loan Insurance Program offered by CMHC, aimed at multi-unit new and existing buildings.
It is specifically designed to encourage sustainability, affordability and accessibility.
Key features & incentives
Projects that commit to certain level (even one) of energy-efficiency / greenhouse gas reductions, and accessibility (universal design, barrier-free, etc.) and affordability (e.g., rents tied to median renter income), can earn points in a point-system. Higher points bring better terms.
- Up to 95% Loan to Value or Loan to Construction
- Amortization up to 50 years
- Prime Interest Rate
- Lower Insurance Premium
Existing Properties – Point Distribution
| Affordability – Rent Levels (10-year affordability commitment)1 |
Energy Efficiency and GHGs Reductions over 2017 NECB / 2015 NBC |
Accessibility2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 points | 70 points | 100 points | 20 points | 35 points | 50 points | 20 points | 30 points |
| 40% of units at ≤30% of median renter income | 60% of units at ≤30% of median renter income | 80% of units at ≤30% of median renter income | 15% reduction | 25% reduction | 40% reduction | There is a requirement for all levels that all units in the building (i.e., both accessible and non-accessible units) are 100% visitable* in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard B651:23 and common areas are barrier free in accordance with B651:23 | |
|
Min. 15% of the units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR Min. 15% of units are universal design. OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 (60%-79% score) |
Min. 15% of units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 and Min. 85% of units are universal design. OR 100% of units are universal design OR 100% of units are accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 “Gold” (score of 80% or better) |
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CSA definition of visitable – In relation to residential accommodation, any dwelling [unit] that offers a basic level of access to accommodate visitors such as people who use a wheeled mobility aid, people who are elderly, or residents who might have a temporary disability. Visitable dwellings allow a person to enter a dwelling safely, manoeuvre independently throughout the visitable level, and use the toilet facilities
There is a requirement for all levels that all units in the building (i.e., both accessible and non-accessible units) are 100% visitable* in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard B651:23 and common areas are barrier free in accordance with B651:23.
CSA Definition of “Visitable”
In relation to residential accommodation, any dwelling [unit] that offers a basic level of access to accommodate visitors such as people who use a wheeled mobility aid, people who are elderly, or residents who might have a temporary disability. Visitable dwellings allow a person to enter a dwelling safely, manoeuvre independently throughout the visitable level, and use the toilet facilities.
Existing Properties – Insurance Flexibilities
| Existing Properties – Insurance Flexibilities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | LTV | DCR3 | Amortization | Rental Achievement | Recourse or Limited Recourse | Replacement Reserve | |
| Min. 50 pts |
Fees and premiums at-a-glance | Up to 85% | Min. 1.1 |
Up to 40 years | May Apply | Recourse | Discretionary |
| Min. 70 pts |
Up to 95% | Up to 45 years | |||||
| Min. 100 pts |
Up to 50 years | Limited-Recourse | |||||
New Construction – Point Distribution
| Affordability – Rent Levels (10-year affordability commitment)1 |
Energy Efficiency and GHGs Reductions over 2017 NECB / 2015 NBC |
Accessibility2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 points | 70 points | 100 points | 20 points | 35 points | 50 points | 20 points | 30 points |
| 40% of units at ≤30% of median renter income | 60% of units at ≤30% of median renter income | 80% of units at ≤30% of median renter income | 20% above code | 25% above code | 40% above code | There is a requirement for all levels that all units in the building (ie., both accessible and non-accessible units) are 100% visitable* in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard B651:23 and common areas are barrier free in accordance with B651:23 | |
|
Min. 15% of the units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR Min. 15% of units are universal design. OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 (60%-79% score)) |
Min. 15% of units are considered accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 and Min. 85% of units are universal design. OR 100% of units are universal design OR 100% of units are accessible in accordance with the CSA standard B651:23 OR The building receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0 “Gold” (score of 80% or better) |
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*CSA definition of visitable – In relation to residential accommodation, any dwelling [unit] that offers a basic level of access to accommodate visitors such as people who use a wheeled mobility aid, people who are elderly, or residents who might have a temporary disability. Visitable dwellings allow a person to enter a dwelling safely, manoeuvre independently throughout the visitable level, and use the toilet facilities.
Existing Properties – Insurance Flexibilities
| Existing Properties – Insurance Flexibilities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | LTC | DCR3 | Amortization | Rental Achievement | Recourse or Limited Recourse | Replacement Reserve | |
| Min. 50 pts |
Fees and premiums at-a-glance | Up to 95% | Min. 1.1 |
Up to 40 years | May Apply | Recourse | Discretionary |
| Min. 70 pts |
Up to 45 years | ||||||
| Min. 100 pts |
Up to 50 years | Limited-Recourse | |||||
Green Superior is here to help you to find affordable and easy solutions to pass the Energy Efficiency requirements.
The “energy efficiency / GHG reduction” axis requires modelling and professional attestation.
The “accessibility” axis requires things like all units being “visitable” (as per CSA B651-2023), or a percentage of units being accessible, or universal design, or other certifications.
The “affordability” axis uses median renter income in the relevant market, and commitments must last at least 10-years (with extra points for 20-year commitments).
Eligibility & Project Conditions
- Available for both new construction and existing multi-unit properties.
- Minimum project size: existing rental buildings must have at least 5 units.
- Non-residential space must not exceed 30% of gross floor area or 30% of total lending value.
- Project must not be subject to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act.
Why is this product important?
For developers or lenders of multi-unit rental housing in Canada, MLI Select provides an incentive structure to build better quality housing in terms of energy performance, accessibility, and affordability.
It aligns with broader policy goals in Canada about housing affordability, sustainable/low-carbon buildings, and inclusive design (accessible for people with disabilities).
From a financing perspective, getting better amortization terms, higher LTV, or limited recourse becomes more feasible if you hit the higher point levels.
Things to watch / potential challenges
- Documentation and professional attestation requirements are non-trivial. For example, energy-modelling must be done by a qualified professional who provides the required report.
- Rent-level commitments (affordability) are binding for a minimum of 10 years. Rents must not increase faster than legislation or CPI allows.
- Accessibility criteria (e.g., CSA B651-2023) may result in additional design and construction costs.
- Higher points bring better terms, but achieving 100 points may require meeting all three axes significantly, increasing cost or complexity.
- Projects must still meet lender credit, underwriting, and market risk standards; the insurance is a tool, not a guarantee.
- This is a Canada-specific product (CMHC is a Canadian Crown corporation), applicable to Canadian multi-unit rental/mortgage projects.
Summary
In short: MLI Select is a strategic tool by CMHC to encourage, support, and finance multi-unit rental (and supportive/retirement/student) housing in Canada with enhanced social and environmental performance.
If you’re developing or financing such a project, using MLI Select can offer meaningful benefits — provided you design your project to meet its three key axes: affordability, energy/GHG efficiency, and accessibility.
