FHA Lending (Duplex), but Tenant in Place for 2 more month

[Will Morehead]

Hello -

I've identified a duplex that I'm planning to make a move on (my first one) however, the property is fully occupied with one of the leases expiring in 2 months. I was planning for an FHA loan, but I've heard that they're pretty stringent on the property being your primary residence from day 1.

Has anyone ever run into this issue / I'm curious if there are any workarounds that don't require the 10% down minimum with conventional financing. 

Any ideas would be appreciated!

[Kimberly Elson]

I bought a duplex house hack with FHA last year in FL. Tenants in both sides but one had a lease expiring within 60 days and all I had to provide to lender was the notice of non renewal to that tenant from seller as "proof" I would be able to fulfill the 60 day owner occupancy requirement. Since I was able to move in within 60 days (which I did) the fact that it was occupied when I bought it didn't matter.