House Hacking: Living in One Unit, Renting the Others

House hacking means buying a small multifamily property, living in one unit, and renting the rest. The rent from the other units helps cover your mortgage.

Why it's popular

Owner-occupied loans on 2–4 unit properties often allow lower down payments than investment loans. Ask a lender which programs you qualify for and what rental income they'll count.

Be a landlord, not just a neighbor

You'll need written leases, screening standards, and a plan for repairs. Know Maine's landlord-tenant rules before your first tenant moves in.

Where to look

Duplexes and triplexes in Lewiston, Auburn, and Biddeford often have lower entry prices than coastal towns. See the 'Know your market' section on our homepage for local rent and home value figures.