Before contacting the lender
- Read the written renewal offer and record the exact rate, term, fixed or variable structure, deadline, and material conditions.
- Confirm the scheduled payment, remaining amortization, balance, and payment frequency used.
- Review penalty wording, prepayment privileges, portability, fees, promotional conditions, and other restrictions.
- Keep any real competing offer or broker quote accurately described and available if proof is requested.
- Decide what clarification you need from the lender before responding.
A neutral request for review
“I am reviewing the mortgage renewal offer before responding. The written offer shows [RATE]% for [TERM]. Can you please explain whether another renewal option is available and provide the final rate, term, payment assumptions, penalty wording, prepayment privileges, portability, fees, and material conditions in writing?”
This asks for clarification without claiming a guaranteed better rate, a fabricated competing offer, or a FairRate verdict the lender must accept.
Using a real competing offer
When you genuinely have another offer, describe it accurately and compare like with like. Match the term and fixed or variable structure, then check payment assumptions, mortgage characteristics, insurance status, penalties, prepayment privileges, portability, fees, conditions, and eligibility limits.
A public advertised rate is not the same as a written offer to you and is not proof that you qualify for it.
Do not turn a rate spread into fake certainty
FairRate does not treat mortgage balance multiplied by a rate spread as an exact annual interest cost, five-year cost, or savings estimate. A scheduled-payment comparison should use the balance, rate, remaining amortization, and Canadian mortgage math, and still does not capture every fee, penalty, prepayment, timing difference, or switching cost.
Switching is a separate transaction review
FCAC notes that a new lender must approve the application and may use different qualification criteria. Possible switching costs can include setup, discharge, registration, transfer or assignment, appraisal, administration, and other transaction-specific costs.
Do not assume a lower advertised rate proves that switching is available or cheaper after all requirements and costs.
Continue your review
Review the written offer, product terms, switching friction, and uncertainty before responding.
Identify possible switching costs and transaction differences before relying on an apparent rate gap.
See the supported comparison contract, data handling, payment math, verdict rules, and limitations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I negotiate my mortgage renewal rate in Canada?
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says borrowers can negotiate with their current lender and may qualify for a discounted interest rate below the renewal-letter quote. A lower rate is not guaranteed, and FairRate does not promise that a lender will improve an offer.
What information should I use when asking for a review?
Use the actual written renewal offer, including the quoted rate, term, payment assumptions, deadline, and material conditions. Mention competing offers only when they are real and accurately described. Ask the lender to explain any available renewal alternatives in writing.
Should I mention another lender or broker offer?
When accurate, yes. FCAC says borrowers can tell the current lender about offers received from other financial institutions or mortgage brokers and may need to provide proof. Do not invent a competing offer or imply guaranteed eligibility.
Does FairRate negotiate with the lender for me?
No. FairRate does not negotiate with lenders, arrange mortgages, issue approvals, or provide individualized financial advice. Its benchmark-backed checker currently supports Canadian 5-year fixed renewal offers only.