A rent-to-own lease agreement is a written document between the landlord or potential seller who owns the rental property and the tenant or potential buyer leasing the property. This agreement helps the owner collect rent and gives the tenant a place to stay while they consider buying the property.
By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What Is a Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement?
A rent-to-own lease agreement details the arrangement between the landlord and tenant to lease the rental property while also granting the tenant the option to purchase the property before the end of the lease term.
Since a rent-to-own contract combines elements of a typical lease agreement and a standard real estate purchase agreement, there are many details you need to include.
Option to Purchase
The tenant’s option to purchase comes at a price. Tenants who want to take advantage of an option to purchase must pay the landlord “option money” or “option consideration” or premium.
This consideration can be a set amount paid upfront – typically between 1% and 5% of the purchase price- or a portion of the monthly rent payments noted in the lease agreement portion of the rental contract.
While the option consideration of fee or any premium is generally nonrefundable, a tenant can usually apply it as a credit to the purchase price if exercising the option to purchase and may sometimes credit it to the down payment.
Types Of Rent-to-Own Contracts
There are two main types of rent-to-own agreements:
Lease-Option Agreement
A lease-option agreement gives the tenant the right to purchase the property at the end of the lease, but the tenant can decide not to buy.
Because the tenant is not obligated to buy the property, the agreement is more friendly and flexible for tenants. At the end of the lease agreement term, if the tenant decides not to buy the property, they can stop paying rent and walk away.
Lease-Purchase Agreement
In a lease-purchase agreement, the tenant is bound to buy the rental property unless there is a breach of contract or they cannot secure a mortgage due to insufficient down payment, credit, or other criteria.
Unlike the lease option, where the tenant can decide not to buy, the tenant in a lease-purchase agreement does not have the choice. In a lease-purchase agreement, the landlord and the tenant are bound to sell and buy, respectively.
How Does Rent-to-Own Work?
The rent-to-own agreement form combines a lease agreement and a real estate purchase agreement. The process is more complicated than a standard lease agreement and carries consequences if an error occurs. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 – Sign One of Two Types of Agreement
Standard rent-to-own lease agreements usually consist of two parts: a lease agreement (rental agreement) and an option to purchase. You can either sign the one rent-to-own agreement or sign it as two separate legal documents.
The lease portion in a rent-to-own agreement is like a standard lease agreement between you and your tenant. This rental agreement will have standard lease terms, such as lease duration, rent amount, and rent due date.
The option-to-purchase portion creates the rent-to-own agreement. It gives the tenant the right or option to buy the rental property within an agreed period. The tenant, in turn, pays an option fee and usually a higher rent than the market rate.
Step 2 – Negotiate a Purchase Price
Negotiate when and how you will arrive at a purchase price. Parties to rent-to-own agreements may agree to decide on the purchase price at the end of the lease if the buyer wants to exercise their right to purchase.
You can also decide on the purchase price at the outset of the lease, which most buyers prefer because it can let them lock in a lower price in a property market that is on the rise and plan for their down payment.
Step 3 – Verify the Tenant’s Income
Verify a tenant’s income to ensure they can afford the rent and be reliable tenants through:
- Pay Stubs: Request recent pay stubs (usually the last two or three) from the tenant.
- Employment Verification Letter: A letter from the tenant’s employer can confirm employment and income.
- Tax Returns: Requesting the tenant’s most recent tax return, especially Form W-2 or Form 1099, can be a reliable way to verify annual income.
- Bank Statements: Reviewing the tenant’s bank statements can provide a broader view of their financial situation, showing income, spending habits, and financial stability.
Step 4 – Pay a Nonrefundable Option Fee
In a rent-to-own agreement, the tenant pays the landlord a nonrefundable fee, an option consideration.
This fee is usually paid once, allowing the tenant to buy the property later.
There is no standard rate, so the fee is negotiable. But, it is generally between 1% and 5% of the purchase price. [1]
Step 5 – Negotiate If the Rent Payments Go Toward the Principal Value of the Home
It’s customary in rent-to-own agreements to apply a portion of the tenant’s rent payments to the purchase price. The rent is usually higher than the market rate.
So, the tenant can negotiate that the excess goes towards paying the home’s purchase price.
Step 6 – Define the Maintenance Roles
Define the landlord and tenant’s maintenance responsibilities. Who will be responsible for maintaining the property and bearing the repair costs?
Parties should decide on their roles in the rent-to-lease contract.
Step 7 – Agree on the Rental Term and Type of Lease-to-Own Contract
We mentioned earlier that there are two lease-to-own agreements. Parties should decide whether to enter into a lease option or a lease purchase.
Step 8 – Secure a Mortgage
The tenant may need to apply for and secure a mortgage at the end of the lease so they can exercise their option to buy.
Step 9 – Read Your Contract Carefully and Get a Home Inspection
Read the contract line by line, or get a real estate lawyer to help you review the agreement to ensure you are adequately protected. You can also seek a home inspection to ensure the property is safe and habitable.
What to Include in a Rent-to-Own Agreement
Be sure to include all these details when drafting your agreement:
- Landlord/Seller: The name and address of the party who owns the property
- Tenant/Buyer: The name and address of the party leasing the property and obtaining the option to purchase
- Property: The address and legal description of the property
- Rent Payments: The amount of the monthly rent payments and any late fees
- Rent Term: The beginning and end dates of the lease term
- Security Deposit: The amount of the security deposit, if any, and details on returning the security deposit after the end of the lease term
- Option to Purchase: A specific grant to the tenant of an option to purchase the property
- Option Consideration: The amount the tenant is paying for the option to buy the property
- Purchase Price: The purchase price to buy the property
- Notice of Option: The tenant must give notice of intent to purchase to the landlord before the option to purchase expires
- Earnest Money Deposit: An optional deposit in addition to the option consideration showing the tenant’s good faith intention to purchase the property
Other details about the lease:
- Use of the Property: How can the tenant use the property?
- Condition of the Property: What kind of condition is the property in, and does anyone need to fix anything?
- Holdover Tenancy: What will happen if the tenant stays on the property past the end of the lease term?
- Utilities: Are any utilities included in the monthly rent?
- Maintenance and Repairs: Is the tenant responsible for any maintenance and repairs?
- Alterations: Can the tenant make any alterations or improvements to the property?
- Smoking: Can the tenant smoke on the property?
- Pets: Are any pets allowed on the property?
- Rules and Regulations: Are there any other specific rules and regulations the tenant must follow?
- Subleasing: Can the tenant sublease or sublet the property?
- Renter’s Insurance: Does the tenant need to carry renter’s insurance?
- Damage to the Property: What happens if the tenant damages the property?
- Surrender of the Property: What happens at the end of the lease term if the tenant does not exercise the option to purchase?
- Default: What happens if the tenant defaults?
Other details about the purchase:
- Property Included in Sale: What personal property and fixtures come with the sale?
- Exclusivity of Option: Is the option to purchase exclusively for the tenant?
- Inspection: Is the buyer purchasing the property “as is”?
- Closing: When will the closing occur?
- Closing Costs: Who will pay what closing costs?
- Title Insurance: Who is responsible for obtaining title insurance?
- Financing: Can the tenant seek financing to cover the purchase price?
- Real Estate Taxes: Who is responsible for real estate taxes?
- Existing Mortgages: Does the seller have to pay off any existing mortgages?
- No Equitable Ownership: Do the rental payments give the tenant any title interest in the property?
Other legal details:
- Disclosures: Include any required federal and state disclosures such as lead paint, mold, and sex offender registry disclosures.
- Notices: Identify when and how the landlord and tenant receive notifications regarding the agreement.
- Severability: State that if one provision is invalid or unenforceable, it will not affect the validity or enforceability of the rest of the agreement.
- Binding Effect: Note that the agreement is binding on the parties and their heirs.
- Governing Law: Decide which state’s law controls the agreement.
- Amendments: State that parties can only make changes to the agreement by a written amendment signed by all the parties.
- Disputes: Include how parties resolve disputes – by mediation, arbitration, litigation, or a combination.
- Entire Agreement: Affirm that the agreement is the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior discussions between the parties.
Pros and Cons of Renting to Own
While the market for rent-to-own tends to be smaller, it can be a good option for the right seller and buyer.
Below is a list of some of the benefits and drawbacks of this agreement:
Seller’s Pro | Seller’s Cons |
---|---|
Higher sales price if market goes down | Lower sales price if market goes up |
Invested tenants who will take better care of the property | Tenant usually gets an exclusive option |
Longer rental term with steady income | Unable to sell the home during the lease term |
Minimal risk and a nonrefundable option fee | Chance the seller doesn’t buy the property |
No commission needs to be paid to a broker | Don’t receive a large lump sum payment |
Buyer’s Pros | Buyer’s Cons |
---|---|
Lower sales price if market goes up | Higher sales price if market goes down |
More time to get a loan or improve credit | Still might not be able to qualify for a loan |
Can purchase a home without a large down payment | Will lose the option fee paid if you don’t purchase the home |
Can “test out” the home and neighborhood | Can lose the option if you fall behind on rent |
More likely able to make improvements to the home | If the seller forecloses, you lose everything you have put in |
How to Write a Rent-to-Own Agreement
Before filling out your rent-to-own agreement, write your state at the top of the form. Then, you can proceed with the following steps:
Step 1 – Write Effective Date of Agreement
Provide the effective date of the rent-to-own agreement.
Step 2 – Enter Landlord(s)/Seller(s) and Tenant(s)/Buyer(s) Details
Fill in the full name of the landlord (potential seller). Also, provide the landlord’s address. Provide the same information for the tenant(s) or potential buyer(s).
Step 3 – Write Property Address and Legal Description
The property address is the street (physical) address of the property the tenant is leasing, renting, and potentially purchasing. Include any unit or apartment number, if applicable.
Also, include a legal description of the property the landlord is potentially selling. It’s a geographical description commonly identified by a government survey, metes, sounds, or lot and block. You can find the legal description in the property’s deed or through the county assessor.
Step 4 – Fill in Premises Details
Provide details regarding the property the tenant is leasing and potentially purchasing. Include the type of housing (apartment, house, etc.), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether parking is included, if the property includes storage and where it is located, and whether furnishings are included. You can also add additional details about the property.
Step 5 – Write the Term
Enter the start date of the lease. You choose whether the lease is fixed (fixed length) or month-to-month (until the landlord or tenant terminates it).
Step 6 – Enter Rent Details
Provide the rent amount (calculated monthly), the day rent is due, how the tenant should pay the rent, and whether the landlord will charge a fee for a returned check or other payment.
State whether the landlord will prorate the rent for less than one month.
Step 7 – Describe Guaranty Details
You can choose whether you require the tenant to have a guarantor or co-signer. If yes, provide the full name and address of the guarantor or co-signer.
Step 8 – Identify Late Fees
Share whether the landlord will charge a late fee if the tenant does not pay rent by the due date.
Step 9 – Explain Utilities
Generally, the tenant is responsible for utilities. However, you can specify if the landlord will be responsible for certain utilities.
Step 10 – Enter Security Deposit Details
Provide the amount of the security deposit and whether the landlord will pay interest on the security deposit. Refer to your state and local laws for guidance.
Provide the number of days after the end of the lease term the landlord has to return the security deposit.
Step 11 – Fill In Use of Premises Information
Document the property type and how the tenant may use the rental during the lease period.
Step 12 – Identify Inspection Checklist Requirements
State whether the tenant must complete an inspection checklist. If yes, complete the inspection checklist at the end of the agreement.
Step 13 – Enter Maintenance and Repair Details
Write whether the tenant is responsible for specific extra maintenance and repair costs, as the tenant has a vested interest in the property with the option to buy.
Step 14 – Describe Smoking Rules
State whether you permit smoking on the property.
Step 15 – Fill In Pet Details
Describe whether you allow pets on the property and, if allowed, whether the tenant must pay a pet deposit. Enter the description of any pets, if allowed.
Step 16 – Check Assigning and Subletting Option
State whether the tenant can assign or sublet the property. If yes, indicate whether the tenant needs the landlord’s consent before assigning or subletting.
Step 17 – Identify Lead Disclosure
Specify whether the house was built before 1978. If yes, the landlord must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards on the property and provide any available records and reports. A detailed disclosure is attached to the end of this agreement.
Step 18 – Check Military Clause Option
State whether the tenant may terminate the lease early due to active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Step 19 – Check the Renter’s Insurance Option
State whether the tenant must obtain a renter’s insurance policy.
Step 20 – Check the Mechanic’s Lien Option
State whether the landlord (and any service provider) can file a mechanic’s lien on the property if the tenant makes any improvements on the premises and does not pay said service provider.
Step 21 – Fill in Default Details
In the event of a default, the landlord may provide the tenant with a written notice of default. Provide the number of days’ notice if the default is due to the tenant’s failure to pay rent promptly. Also, provide the number of days’ notice required if the default is for something other than failure to pay rent promptly.
Step 22 – Enter Option Details
Here are some option details to include in the agreement:
- Option to Purchase. For the option to purchase, state whether or not the landlord/seller and tenant/buyer agree upon a purchase price. If yes, specify the price.
- Option Term. Provide the dates when the option period begins and expires.
- Option Consideration. In a rent-to-own agreement, the tenant pays consideration in exchange for the exclusive option to purchase the property. Specify if the review will be a portion of the monthly rent or a nonrefundable upfront fee.
Step 23 – Provide Purchase Deposit Details
State whether there’s an earnest money deposit requirement (and the amount, if so) if the tenant chooses to exercise the option to purchase.
Step 24 – Fill in Personal Property Details
The purchase includes all real estate, buildings, improvements, appurtenances, and fixtures. You have an option to include additional personal property items in the sale. If you do so, provide a list of those items included.
Step 25 – Enter Closing and Settlement Information
Here’s some closing and settlement information to include:
- Payment Method. State the method for the purchase amount to be delivered to the seller at closing.
- Seller Closing Costs. Choose the closing costs the seller is responsible for. You can add additional costs.
- Buyer Closing Costs. Choose the closing costs for which the buyer is responsible. You can add extra costs.
- Buyer-Only Closing Costs. Check this box if the buyer is responsible for all closing costs.
Step 26 – Describe Title Details
Choose who pays for the title insurance, who selects the title insurance company, and whether you allow exclusions or exceptions to the policy.
Step 27 – Select Governing State
Choose the state’s laws that will govern the construction of this purchase agreement.
Step 28 – Check Dispute Option
Choose whether the landlord/seller and tenant/buyer will solve any disputes through court litigation, binding arbitration, mediation, or mediation-arbitration.
Step 29 – Enter Miscellaneous Details
Include any additional provisions for this rent-to-own agreement.
Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement Sample
View our rent-to-own lease agreement template. Download it as a PDF or Word file: