Can you lock the rate on a DSCR loan?

Yes. Most DSCR lenders offer a rate lock that fixes your rate for a set period, commonly 30 to 60 days, long enough to reach closing. A longer lock can cost more, and some lenders charge a fee or a deposit for it. Get the lock terms in writing.

When should you lock a DSCR rate?

Lock once you are confident the deal will close inside the lock window and you are comfortable with the rate, since a lock protects you from rates rising but also stops you from benefiting if they fall. On a tight timeline like a 1031 exchange, locking early protects the numbers your deal depends on.

Closing

DSCR Loan Rate Locks, Explained

Between application and closing, rates move. A rate lock holds your DSCR rate for a set window so a market swing does not blow up your numbers. Here is how locks work and when to use one.

By Owen Brandt, Research Editor. Updated June 13, 2026.

Your DSCR depends on the rate, because the rate drives the payment. So a rate that drifts up between application and closing can quietly push your ratio under the lender minimum. A rate lock protects against that by fixing your rate for a set window.

How a rate lock works

The window. A lock holds your rate for a set period, commonly 30 to 60 days, meant to carry you to closing. If you need longer, an extended lock usually costs more.
The cost. Some lenders bake the lock into pricing; others charge a fee or take a deposit, especially for longer locks. Ask what the lock costs and whether it is refundable.
The trade-off. A lock protects you if rates rise, but you do not benefit if they fall. Some lenders offer a float-down option for a price.

When to lock

Lock once you are confident the deal closes inside the window and you are comfortable with the rate. The ratio you qualified on is built on that rate, so protecting it protects the deal. On a tight timeline, such as a 1031 exchange, locking early is often worth it. To see how a rate change moves your ratio, run both on the DSCR calculator.

What to confirm before you lock

Get the lock length, the cost, the extension terms, and any float-down in writing, and make sure the lock window comfortably covers your closing timeline. Then confirm your overall standing with the pre-qualifier.