Federal Rule Change Lets Banks Include ADU Income in Mortgage Decisions

A policy change from the Federal Housing Administration is designed to spur more rental housing construction and bring homeownership within reach of more U.S. households.

1 minute read

October 17, 2023, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of hand filing out FHA Loan application on desk with calculator next to paper.

Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock

An article in MReport highlights a policy change from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that will impact mortgage qualifications for homeowners who build or buy homes with accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

“The change in policy allows for the inclusion of rental income from the ADU in the borrower’s qualifying income, and would allow more borrowers to qualify for FHA financing for properties with ADUs, including 203(k) rehabilitation mortgages,” the article explains. The new rule is meant to make homeownership possible for more households and add to the rental housing supply.

The new policies allow mortgage lenders to qualify homebuyers based on estimated income from existing or proposed ADUs, “Include ADU-specific appraisal requirements for appraisers to clearly identify, analyze, and report on ADU characteristics and the estimated rent the ADU can be expected to generate,” and “Add ADUs to the types of improvements that can be financed under FHA’s mortgages for new construction.”

Monday, October 16, 2023 in MReport

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

15 minutes ago - Inside Climate News

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA