Rent-To-Own Frequently Asked Questions

Tenant-buyers pay a non-refundable Option Fee Down Payment when they move in, typically 3-5% of the purchase price (usually a minimum of $5,000). This deposit shows commitment and is credited toward their purchase when they exercise the option.

A tenant-buyer is buying your home, not just renting it. They pay a substantial non-refundable deposit, they agree to a purchase price up front, and they typically treat the home as their own because it will be theirs. You get market rent every month plus a locked-in full-price sale.

You keep the non-refundable option deposit and all rent paid, and the house is yours to sell or place with a new tenant-buyer. Statistically some tenant-buyers do not exercise their option; sellers usually come out ahead financially when that happens, though it does mean re-marketing the home.

In a typical rent-to-own agreement the tenant-buyer takes on day-to-day maintenance responsibilities (often up to an agreed dollar amount), because they are preparing to own the home. Major structural items usually remain the owner's responsibility until closing. Everything is spelled out in the lease and option paperwork.

Until the option is exercised you remain the owner: you keep depreciation and other landlord tax treatment where applicable. Talk to your tax professional about your specific situation, including homestead exemption changes when you move out.

Nothing. Our agreement is non-exclusive and free to you. We earn our fee from the tenant-buyer's option deposit, not from your sale price. You keep trying to sell any other way at the same time if you want.

Rent-to-own is not magic: you wait longer for your full payout, a tenant-buyer can damage the home or stop paying (screening reduces but never eliminates this), and being a landlord, even temporarily, has responsibilities. We will walk you through the realistic numbers for your property, including the downside cases, before you sign anything.

Most tenant-buyers can qualify for a mortgage within 12-24 months. The option period gives them time to build credit and savings while living in the home. Their option deposit and any rent credits reduce what they need at closing.