Quick Answer

Yes, you can get a DSCR loan on an Airbnb. The lender qualifies the property using either actual 12-month rental history or AirDNA market projections at a 75–80% haircut. Minimum 620 FICO, 20–25% down, up to 80% LTV. Properties with no rental history qualify the same as established Airbnbs — the AirDNA projection fills the gap. Subject to local STR zoning and permit requirements.

A short-term rental DSCR loan lets investors finance Airbnb, VRBO, and vacation-rental properties using the property's projected nightly income — even without an existing rental history. The qualifying math swaps a long-term lease for an AirDNA projection, opening the door to investors entering the STR space for the first time.

This guide explains exactly how STR DSCR loans work in 2026: how AirDNA income is calculated, what LTV and rates look like, the most lender-friendly STR markets, and the operating-permit checks that have to clear before close.

How STR DSCR Underwriting Differs from Long-Term DSCR

The core formula is the same: gross monthly rent ÷ PITIA. The difference is the income source. A long-term DSCR uses the in-place lease or appraiser-determined market rent. An STR DSCR uses the property's projected gross revenue from AirDNA, divided by 12 to produce a monthly equivalent.

Most STR DSCR underwriters apply a 75–80% factor to the AirDNA gross projection to account for vacancy, cleaning fees, platform commissions, and seasonality. So an AirDNA projection of $80,000 annual gross becomes a $5,333/month qualifying rent ($80,000 × 0.80 / 12). That's the number divided into PITIA to produce the qualifying DSCR.

STR DSCR Loan Requirements — 2026

Short-Term Rental DSCR Snapshot

The Most Lender-Friendly STR Markets

Not every STR market is created equal in the eyes of an underwriter. The strongest STR DSCR markets in 2026 are the ones with mature AirDNA data, established investor inventory, and predictable jurisdictional rules:

STR Permit Risk — Check This Before You Contract

The single biggest deal killer in STR DSCR financing is local STR ordinance non-compliance. Cities and counties have wildly different rules:

Our underwriting team verifies STR permit status as part of every STR DSCR file, but you should validate this before contracting to avoid wasting due diligence dollars.

STR DSCR Pricing — 2026

STR DSCR loans typically price 0.25–0.50% above standard SFR DSCR rates due to the income-volatility profile. Strong-credit STR borrowers (740+ FICO, sub-70% LTV) typically see 6.50–7.25% in mid-2026. Foreign national STR DSCR adds another 0.50–1.50% on top of the foreign national base premium.

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Related Questions (People Also Ask)

Can you get a DSCR loan on an Airbnb? +
Yes. DSCR loans are widely available for short-term rentals including Airbnb and VRBO properties. The lender qualifies using either actual rental history (12 months of statements) or AirDNA market projections at a 75–80% haircut.
Is Airbnb still profitable in 2026? +
Yes in the right markets. Investor-friendly STR markets (Orlando, Gatlinburg, Phoenix, Joshua Tree, Smoky Mountains, beach Florida) still produce STR DSCRs of 1.25–1.65. Saturated coastal markets and cities with restrictive STR ordinances have compressed dramatically.
How is Airbnb income calculated for DSCR? +
Two methods: (1) AirDNA market revenue projection (gross) × 75–80% haircut, divided by 12 for monthly. (2) Actual 12-month historical Airbnb statements (preferred if available). The result becomes the numerator in the DSCR ratio.
Do I need an STR permit to qualify? +
Depends on the city. In jurisdictions with mandatory STR permits (Orlando, Honolulu, Nashville), the lender may require evidence of an existing or pending permit. In unrestricted markets, no permit is needed for the DSCR loan itself.
Can I refinance my Airbnb into a DSCR loan if I currently have a conventional loan? +
Yes. Many investors refinance from a conventional loan to a DSCR loan to escape DTI constraints and access cash-out without income documentation. Common move when scaling the rental portfolio.
What is the best market for Airbnb investing in 2026? +
Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Orlando/Kissimmee, Joshua Tree, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Panama City Beach, Destin, and Big Bear are the deepest STR DSCR markets in 2026. Look at AirDNA market scores 70+ with permit-friendly local rules.
Do DSCR lenders care about how I manage the Airbnb? +
No. Whether you self-manage, use a co-host, or contract a property management company doesn't affect the DSCR loan. Management fees aren't deducted from the gross rent used in the DSCR calc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a DSCR loan for an Airbnb with no rental history? +
Yes. We use AirDNA projected income (typically applying a 75-80% factor to the gross projection) as the qualifying rent. No operating history required.
What is the minimum credit score for an STR DSCR loan? +
660 minimum on most STR DSCR programs, vs 620 on long-term DSCR. Lower credit available case-by-case with stronger DSCR or higher down payment.
Do STR DSCR loans require AirDNA reports? +
Yes for properties without an existing operating history. For properties with 12+ months of operating history, the actual P&L can substitute for AirDNA.
Can I close my STR DSCR loan in an LLC? +
Yes. STR DSCR loans close routinely in LLCs. Most STR investors close in LLCs for liability protection given the higher tenant turnover.
What happens if my city changes its STR rules after closing? +
The loan stays in place — but your cash flow can be impacted. Underwrite for the worst-case rule change in markets with active STR-restriction policy debates (Austin, San Diego, parts of NYC).

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DSCR Capital Partners is a brand of UTM Financial, LLC (NMLS #2591548), a licensed mortgage broker. Informational only; not a loan commitment. Equal Housing Lender.