MLI Select Third Party Accessibility Audit: What CMHC Asks

Search results for MLI Select third party accessibility audit often mix three different ideas: the CMHC attestation, a lender’s due-diligence review, and Rick Hansen Foundation certification. This guide separates them using CMHC’s own documents.

For who can sign in more detail, see accessibility consultant requirements. For the full checklist, see accessibility requirements checklist. For RHFAC scoring, see Rick Hansen certification points.

Last updated: October 19, 2026. This article reflects CMHC’s MLI Select page (date published September 21, 2026), the Accessibility Criteria Attestation form (20240909-002A), the Required Documentation Guide (©2025), and the Rick Hansen Foundation RHFAC v4.0 Rating Survey (January 2024).

What CMHC documents actually require

CMHC’s MLI Select page states that the commitment to accessibility is based on accessible units under CSA B651:23, universal design, or Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification v.4.0, with 100% visitability and barrier-free common areas. It then says CMHC will use a signed attestation completed by an architect or designated accessibility consultant, submitted at the time of application.

Nowhere on that page, or in the attestation form or Required Documentation Guide, does CMHC define a MLI Select third party accessibility audit as a distinct deliverable. The closest language is on the attestation form itself: the signatory acknowledges that the accessibility analysis may be reviewed, audited or assessed for accuracy and best practices by CMHC.

Treat “audit” in that sentence as CMHC’s right to check the attestation, not as a mandatory named third-party product you must buy before applying.

Who may sign the accessibility attestation

The attestation form is addressed to the approved lender and to CMHC. The signatory fills in their capacity as an architect or a designated accessibility consultant with expertise and experience in accessibility or universal design, then marks Level 1 or Level 2 criteria.

The Required Documentation Guide tells the approved lender to submit a signed attestation that supports the borrower’s commitment, and lists content the architect or designated accessibility consultant must address, including visitability of all units, barrier-free common areas, and how accessible or universal design units meet the criteria.

That sign-off is the core of what people mean when they search for a MLI Select third party accessibility audit. It is a professional attestation, not a CMHC-branded audit certificate.

RHFAC as a third-party rating path

If you choose Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification as your points route, you do engage a third party. An RHFAC Professional conducts the rating and submits it for adjudication. The Foundation’s FAQ and Rating Survey describe registration fees, professional rating fees, and Gold prerequisites.

RHFAC Certified (60%-79%) maps to 20 MLI Select accessibility points. Gold (80%+) maps to 30 points. That path is optional. You can instead use unit-count routes with accessible or universal design units and still need the CMHC attestation.

RHFAC is also distinct from an energy audit. CMHC’s energy pillar uses different professionals and software. Mixing the two is a common error in older blog posts about energy-audit-mli-select-alberta-property.

How a MLI Select third party accessibility audit conversation should be framed

Hypothetical example: lender asks for an “audit”

Hypothetical example. A Calgary lender’s checklist says “third-party accessibility audit required.” The borrower’s team maps that line to CMHC’s attestation by an architect, plus, if they chose RHFAC, the Foundation certificate. They ask the lender in writing whether anything beyond those CMHC-named items is required. This example uses no fees or timelines beyond what CMHC publishes.

Questions to ask before you hire anyone

Use these questions so a MLI Select third party accessibility audit request does not become an undefined scope.

1. Lender: Do you mean the CMHC accessibility attestation, an RHFAC rating, or something else?
2. Attesting professional: Are you signing as an architect or as a designated accessibility consultant, and which Level 1 or 2 route are you supporting?
3. RHFAC Professional: If we pursue certification, what is in scope for rating versus what remains on the CMHC attestation?
4. Energy consultant: Confirm you are not being asked to sign accessibility criteria.
5. CMHC / lender: What follow-up evidence is due after final advance if accessibility is achieved later?

Alberta notes

• Building code vs attestation: Alberta’s NBC(AE) sets barrier-free design rules for the permit. CMHC’s attestation is a financing document. Both can apply. See barrier-free CMHC standards and elevator requirement multi-family.
• Who regulates mortgage brokers: RECA licenses mortgage brokers in Alberta. That is separate from who may sign a CMHC accessibility attestation.
• Related NHA posts: consultant sign-off, checklist, RHFAC points.

Checklist: accessibility evidence for underwriting

Use this checklist so a request for a MLI Select third party accessibility audit maps to documents CMHC actually names.

1. Points route: Choose Level 1 (20 points) or Level 2 (30 points) and the route: accessible units, universal design, RHFAC, or a combination CMHC allows.
2. Visitability: Confirm every unit meets visitability and that common areas are barrier-free under CSA B651:23.
3. Attesting professional: Engage an architect or designated accessibility consultant to complete the CMHC Accessibility Criteria Attestation.
4. Application package: Submit the signed attestation with the MLI Select application through the approved lender.
5. RHFAC (if used): Register the site, complete the Rating Survey with an RHFAC Professional, and keep the certificate for the points claim.
6. Energy pillar (separate): Keep energy attestations with qualified energy professionals; do not ask them to sign accessibility criteria.
7. Lender wording: If a checklist says “third-party audit,” get written confirmation that the CMHC attestation (and RHFAC certificate, if any) satisfies the line item.
8. Follow-up evidence: Ask the lender what accessibility confirmation is due around final advance if criteria are achieved after application.

What the Required Documentation Guide says about timing

CMHC’s Required Documentation Guide tells the approved lender to submit documentation, including a signed attestation, that supports the borrower’s accessibility commitment at underwriting. It also describes situations where a report is supplemented with a signed borrower attestation that accessibility criteria have been satisfied. Timing details can depend on whether criteria are met at application or later. Build the schedule with your lender rather than assuming a single calendar from a blog post.

How CMHC may review an attestation

The Accessibility Criteria Attestation form includes an acknowledgement that the accessibility analysis may be reviewed, audited or assessed for accuracy and best practices by CMHC. The signatory agrees to provide timely responses to CMHC and, if necessary, a revised analysis and attestation. That language is why some lenders say “audit” on internal checklists even though CMHC’s product page asks for an architect or designated accessibility consultant attestation.

Plan for possible follow-up questions from CMHC or the approved lender. Keep drawings, CSA B651:23 references, unit matrices and any RHFAC certificate in one package so a revised attestation can be issued quickly if needed.

Level 1 vs Level 2 attestation choices

The CMHC attestation form asks the signatory to mark Level 1 or Level 2 accessibility criteria. Level 1 corresponds to 20 points and Level 2 to 30 points on CMHC’s MLI Select page. Routes include percentages of accessible units under CSA B651:23, universal design combinations, or Rick Hansen Foundation certification bands.

Before anyone signs, agree which route the drawings support. A Level 2 claim that depends on RHFAC Gold needs the Gold prerequisites, including designated accessible parking when parking is provided. A unit-count route needs a clear matrix of which suites meet accessible or universal design criteria. Mixing routes without a written plan is a common reason attestations get revised after CMHC or lender review.

Frequently asked questions

Does CMHC require a MLI Select third party accessibility audit?

CMHC’s published MLI Select documents do not name a product called a third party accessibility audit. They require a signed accessibility attestation by an architect or designated accessibility consultant. The attestation form says the analysis may be reviewed, audited or assessed for accuracy by CMHC.

Who can sign the attestation?

CMHC’s MLI Select page says attestations are completed by an architect or designated accessibility consultant and submitted at the time of application. The attestation form uses the same titles.

Is Rick Hansen Foundation certification a third-party audit?

RHFAC is a third-party rating and certification program. An RHFAC Professional rates the site and submits it for adjudication. It is one of the optional routes to 20 or 30 MLI Select accessibility points, not a substitute for every attestation requirement CMHC lists.

When must accessibility be proven?

The Required Documentation Guide says documentation supporting the accessibility commitment is submitted at underwriting, and describes follow-up evidence around final advance if criteria are achieved later. Confirm timing with your approved lender.

Does an energy audit count as an accessibility audit?

No. CMHC treats energy efficiency and accessibility as separate pillars with separate attestations and, for energy, qualified professionals such as engineers or energy managers. An energy audit does not replace the accessibility attestation.

Can CMHC reject or revisit an attestation?

The attestation form says the accessibility analysis may be reviewed, audited or assessed for accuracy and best practices by CMHC, and the signatory agrees to provide timely responses and, if necessary, a revised analysis and attestation.

Sources

• CMHC: MLI Select (date published September 21, 2026)
• CMHC: Accessibility Criteria Attestation (PDF, 20240909-002A)
• CMHC: Required Documentation Guide (PDF, ©2025)
• Rick Hansen Foundation: RHFAC Rating Survey v4.0
• Rick Hansen Foundation: RHFAC FAQ
• CSA/ASC B651:23
• Government of Alberta: Building codes and standards

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. MLI Select terms are set by CMHC and may change, and building code or mortgage-licensing interpretations rest with the relevant authority. Confirm current requirements with CMHC, an approved lender, and a qualified professional before making decisions.

Need help scoping accessibility evidence for MLI Select? Book a call to talk through your options.