Can an Out-of-State Owner Borrow Against a California Rental?

Many California rentals are owned by people who live elsewhere. Where you live does not decide whether you can borrow on a California property. The property has to be in California, because that is where Lendia is licensed to lend.

What stays the same

• The collateral is the California property, so California appraisal, title and recording rules apply.
• The loan is evaluated on the property and on your credit and income, wherever you live.
• The same programs and limits described on the other pages in this series apply.

What to expect when you live out of state

• Communication: phone and email work for most steps. Keep the lender informed of your availability.
• Signing: closing documents are usually signed with a notary near you. Your escrow officer arranges the details.
• Access for the appraiser: someone must let the appraiser in. A property manager, tenant or contractor can often help.
• Title and vesting: tell us early if the property is held in a trust or LLC.
• Income documents: bring documents from wherever the income is earned. Self-employed owners can see the options on our self-employed page.

If you are working with a property manager

Lease agreements, rent rolls and management statements can document rental income. Give us the manager’s contact information so the appraiser can arrange access.

If the property needs work

Many out-of-state owners are repairing a rental from afar. See financing a vacant rental and as-is vs. after-repair value for how lenders view a vacant or mid-renovation property.

Frequently asked questions

Can Lendia lend on a property outside California?

No. Lendia is licensed in California only and lends only on California properties.

Do I need to travel to California to close?

Usually not. Signing can often be done near you with a notary arranged through escrow. Ask us what applies to your loan.

Does living in another state change my rate?

Where you live is not usually the deciding factor. Property type, loan-to-value, credit and the program matter more.

Related guides

• Borrowing against a California rental: overview
• HELOC on a free-and-clear rental
• What lenders check
• Financing a vacant rental under renovation
• Contact Lendia

Rates and terms depend on your credit, property and loan amount; approval requires qualification. Contact Ramez Malki, NMLS #315466, at Lendia, Inc. (NMLS #295073 | Licensed by the California DRE #01877189). Lendia lends only on California properties.