What DTI do lenders allow?

It varies by lender, program and the rest of your file. Ask lenders directly and use our affordability calculator with their limits.

Do student loans count?

Yes. Lenders count required student loan payments, even in some cases where a payment is deferred.

Will a lender check both spouses' credit?

Only the people applying for the loan. Leaving someone off can change both the income and the debts that count.

Credit score and debt to income basics

Lenders look at two things first: your credit history and your debt to income ratio (DTI), which is your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Each lender and program sets its own limits.

Debt to income

Add up monthly debt payments including the new housing payment, then divide by gross monthly income.
Under the original federal Qualified Mortgage rule, the debt limit was 43% of income. A 2020 rule changed general Qualified Mortgage status to a test based on loan pricing, so lenders now set their own DTI limits.
Lower is better. Paying down a car loan or card can raise what you qualify for.

Credit

FHA allows a 3.5% down payment with a credit score of 580 or higher.
Conventional, jumbo and portfolio lenders set their own score rules and price loans by credit.
Check your credit reports for errors before you apply. You can dispute mistakes with the credit bureaus.

Questions people ask

What DTI do lenders allow?: It varies by lender, program and the rest of your file. Ask lenders directly and use our affordability calculator with their limits.
Do student loans count?: Yes. Lenders count required student loan payments, even in some cases where a payment is deferred.
Will a lender check both spouses' credit?: Only the people applying for the loan. Leaving someone off can change both the income and the debts that count.

Official sources

Facts checked 2026-11-01. General information, not financial, legal or tax advice. We are not a lender.

Related: Getting approved

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