In the ever-evolving landscape of home ownership, rent-to-own agreements are an alternative some choose in their endeavor to become homeowners. It is useful for those who may not qualify for mortgages in the traditional sense or those who prefer a more flexible approach to buying a house. Rent-to-own is also known as lease option or lease-to-own and is a contract to rent a property with the option to buy it later, typically within a specified period.

Understanding rent-to-own houses
To understand rent-to-own houses, it is important to first understand the types of agreements and the payments involved. Rent-to-own houses can have two types of agreements, namely, lease purchase and lease option.

• Lease purchase:  In this type of agreement, the tenant must buy the property at the end of the lease term. If they fail to purchase the property, they may face legal consequences at the end of the lease term.
• Lease option:  In this agreement, the tenant will have the right and the option not to buy the property at the end of the term. They are not contractually obligated to purchase the property.

Rent-to-own is a housing arrangement that combines elements of renting and buying. So, three primary payment forms are involved in the process: the monthly rent, the option fee, and the purchase price. These are explained in detail below:

• Monthly rent:  The monthly rent is what the tenant (who intends to become the homeowner) would pay to the landlord every month, like for any rented property. However, there is a twist here. A portion of the monthly rent will be credited to the final purchase price of the house.
• Option fee:  In this home arrangement, one of the agreements involved is a lease-option agreement. This agreement allows the tenant to buy the property at a predetermined price within a specified time frame. In exchange for this option, the tenant must pay an upfront fee called the option fee. This fee is usually non-refundable.
• Purchase price:  It is the price at which the tenant and the landlord agree that the tenant can buy the property when they decide to exercise their option to purchase. This price is often determined at the beginning of the agreement and is typically based on the property’s current market value. Also, the purchase price is locked in. This means that even if the property’s price falls or increases throughout the rental period, the tenant will still have to pay the price that was earlier decided upon.

Process for rent-to-own houses
Here is a step-by-step outline of the rent-to-own house process for a prospective tenant and homeowner:

• Finding a rent-to-own house
  The first step is finding an affordable rent-to-own house. If one is wondering how to find rent-to-own houses, a simple way for them would be to look at advertisements and directly contact the seller. They can also take the easier route and get in touch with a real estate agent who will show them suitable properties. Since not all properties up for sale are available on these terms, it is important to have patience during the search process.
• Negotiating terms
  Once a person finds a suitable rent-to-own house, they can begin negotiating the terms of the rent, the purchase price, and the option fee with the landlord. They can also negotiate the rental period and the cost of maintenance and repairs for the property.
• Signing the agreement
  Once both parties have negotiated the prices and the rental period, they can proceed to sign the agreements. At this stage, the tenant must go through every term and condition of the agreement carefully before signing.
• Paying fees
  After the agreements have been signed, the tenant must pay the option fee to the landlord. The amount of this fee usually ranges from 2% to 7% of the purchase price.
• Paying rent
  The tenant can move into the house after paying the option fee and signing the agreement. A regular cycle of rental payments will then begin, as specified in the agreement. Again, it is important to remember that a portion of the rent will be credited toward the eventual purchase cost of the rent-to-own house.

Things to remember for rent-to-own house tenants (prospective owners)
Here are a few things for prospective owners to remember:

• Maintenance and repair
  The property may require some necessary maintenance and repairs, the clauses for which will be included in the agreement. Depending on the terms agreed, the tenant may be responsible for maintenance and minor repairs during the lease period. However, if any major repairs are required, they will all be paid for by the landlord.
• Non-refundable option free
  The option fee, which is paid during the rental period, is usually non-refundable. This means that if the agreement is a lease option and the tenant chooses not to purchase the property at the end of the term, they may not get the option fee back.

Rent-to-own houses provide an alternate path for many people who aspire to be homeowners in the future. However, it is important to remember that this path has pros and cons. Hence, as with any major financial decision, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and seek professional guidance before finalizing the purchase and signing the agreements.