How do lenders know if its your primary residence?

Asked by: Rashawn Schulist  |  Last update: October 13, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (60 votes)

A property is considered a primary residence if it meets the following criteria: Occupied by the borrower for at least six months out of the year and the address of record for taxes, voter registration, etc. Located within a reasonable commuting distance to the borrower's place of employment.

How do lenders determine primary residence?

You must live there most of the year. It must be a convenient distance from your place of employment, or your employer must verify that you work remotely. You need documentation to prove that the property is your primary residence if you're thinking of refinancing. You can use your voter registration, tax return, etc.

How do they verify primary residence?

Utility bill (electric, water/sewer, etc.) Pay stub. Bank or credit card statement. Driver's license, state issued identification card or voter registration card.

How does the IRS know your primary residence?

But if you live in more than one home, the IRS determines your primary residence by: Where you spend the most time. Your legal address as listed for tax returns, with the USPS, on your driver's license and on your voter registration card.

Can I rent out my house without telling my mortgage lender?

Yes, you should inform your mortgage company if you start renting out your property. Here are some reasons why it's important: Loan Agreement Compliance: Most mortgage agreements require homeowners to notify the lender if the property will be rented out. Failing to do so could be considered a breach of contract.

Why You Probably Can’t Afford the House You Want

36 related questions found

What happens if you rent out your primary residence?

Common challenges when renting out your primary residence

You'll pay capital gains tax if you sell a home you haven't occupied. You'll have to manage the property. You may need additional insurance coverage for a rental property. You may face challenges with local zoning boards or HOAs.

Will my mortgage company know if I rent my house?

Yes, you do need to notify your mortgage lender that you're considering renting out your house before finding tenants. Failing to do so can violate the terms of the agreement and result in costly fees. To prevent that from happening, connect with them before completing any other step.

Can my wife and I have different primary residences?

The IRS is very clear that taxpayers, including married couples, have only one primary residence—which the agency refers to as the “main home.” Your main home is always the residence where you ordinarily live most of the time.

How long do you have to occupy a primary residence?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mandates that borrowers must occupy the property as their primary residence for at least one year. Lower credit scores may qualify for FHA financing, which typically requires a higher down payment. This 12-month period begins from the date of closing.

What is the 2 out of 5 year rule?

To qualify for the principal residence exclusion, you must have owned and lived in the property as your primary residence for two out of the five years immediately preceding the sale. Some exceptions apply for those who become disabled, die, or must relocate for reasons of health or work, among other situations.

How do I prove my primary state of residence?

Primary state of residency does not pertain to owning property but rather it refers to your legal status of residency. Proof of residence includes obtaining a driver's license, voting/registering to vote or filing federal taxes with an address in that state. These legal documents must be issued by the same state.

Can you have two primary residences in different states?

While duplicating these tax benefits with another residence would help your bottom line when you file taxes, it's not possible to claim two primary residences because of tax regulations from the IRS.

How do you verify a place of residence?

However, the most common way to help prove location is by giving documents that indicate the address, the dates of service and the person's name on the account. Each organization has different requirements for acceptable Proof of Address documents, but common examples include: Utility bill. Tax bill.

How do banks verify primary residence?

Door Knocker Occupancy Verifications are the most common form of Occupancy Verification. The Inspector arrives unannounced at the residence to verify the owner currently resides at the address, asking for photo identification.

How to change primary residence for tax purposes?

By form. To change your address with the IRS, you may complete a Form 8822, Change of Address (For Individual, Gift, Estate, or Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Returns) and/or a Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business and send them to the address shown on the forms.

Can I buy a home and not live in it?

Misrepresenting your occupancy is a fraud—there's no way around it. If your lender finds out you lied about living in the property, they can demand full repayment of the mortgage loan based on this fraud. If you can't immediately repay the loan, your lender can proceed with foreclosure on the property.

Will the bank find out if I rent my house?

You can rent your house, even if you initially bought it to be your primary residence, but you'll need to notify your lender.

How many days a year can I rent my primary residence?

The big break is the so-called Augusta rule, which allows homeowners to rent out their properties for up to 14 days a year without paying taxes on that income.

Can there be two households at one address?

Only if you maintain two separate households. You can live in one house, or even the same apartment, but you still need to maintain two households for both of you to qualify for head of household.

Can I make my second home my primary residence?

However, if you spend more than half of the year in the second home, it could qualify as your primary residence. If you do that for 2 out of 5 years preceding the sale of the home, you may be able to apply your primary residence capital gains exclusion to the sale.

Can a married couple live in separate houses?

LAT living situations vary. Some couples live in different apartments in the same building or on opposite sides of a neighborhood. Other duos live in entirely different cities or even states. A lot of couples choose to live apart together intentionally and believe this setup improves their relationship or marriage.

Can I airbnb my primary residence mortgage?

Yes, you can Airbnb your primary residence, but you need to check your mortgage agreement and local regulations first.

What happens if I don t tell my lender I m renting out my home?

Increased interest rates: Lenders might increase your mortgage rate if they find out the property is being rented without their consent, reflecting the changed risk profile.

Can my mortgage company see my bank account?

Mortgage lenders require you to provide them with recent statements from your account with readily available funds, such as a checking or savings account. In fact, they'll likely ask for documentation of any accounts that hold monetary assets.