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House hacking affordability checklist

Updated October 20, 2026 · by ROW Home Solutions

House hacking means buying a 2–4 unit property (or a home with an ADU or spare rooms), living in part of it, and renting the rest. Owner-occupied loans can mean a smaller down payment, but you're also taking on your own housing cost and a landlord job. Use this checklist before you offer.

Money

• ☐ I know my cash to close: down payment, closing costs, inspections, and any move-in repairs.
• ☐ I'll still have reserves after closing, separate from my personal emergency fund.
• ☐ I've calculated my debt-to-income with the new payment, and asked my lender how much of the expected rent they'll count.
• ☐ I've priced landlord insurance for a multi-unit property, not a single-family policy.
• ☐ I know the property tax bill as it will be after I buy, not the seller's current bill.

The property

• ☐ Rents for the other units come from real comparable listings, not the seller's projections.
• ☐ I've checked existing leases, deposits and local rent rules.
• ☐ An inspection covered roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation and each unit's systems.
• ☐ Any ADU or extra unit is permitted (check with the city or county).

The real test

• ☐ My net housing cost (total payment and costs minus rent from the other units) is something I could afford.
• ☐ I could still cover the full payment for several months if the other units sat empty.
• ☐ The deal still works after I move out and rent my unit too.
• ☐ I'm honestly okay living next to my tenants and handling calls.

Net housing cost = total monthly cost (PITI + HOA + repairs + vacancy) − rent from other units