{"id":75547,"date":"2026-06-08T09:25:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T16:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=75547"},"modified":"2026-06-08T09:26:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T16:26:16","slug":"rent-to-own-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/rent-to-own-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Rent-To-Own Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent-to-own lets you rent a home with the option\/requirement to buy at the lease\u2019s end.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll pay an upfront fee (1 &#8211; 7% of the price), and the purchase price is set at signing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be a good idea if you want to lock in a sale price, need to improve your credit, or save for a down payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prospective homebuyers are continuing to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/rent-versus-buy-2026\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rent vs buy in 2026<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as renting is typically more affordable in major metros. Even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/rich-renters-2025\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affluent Americans are opting to rent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to the increased costs of buying. For example, in San Jose, CA, the typical monthly rent is $3,399, while the average mortgage payment is $9,250.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One alternative that can help bridge the gap between renting and owning is a rent-to-own home. In this guide, we&#8217;ll explain how rent-to-own works, who it may be a good fit for, and the risks to consider before signing an agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does rent-to-own mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A rent-to-own, or rent-to-buy, home is a residential property that you agree to live in as a rental for a set number of years, with the option to purchase the house at the end of the rental term. With most rent-to-own agreements, part of your monthly rent is set aside for your future <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-down-payment-for-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cRent-to-own homes typically act as an alternative entry-point into a very expensive housing market, often with a lower barrier to entry,\u201d said <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/author\/darylfairweather\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daryl Fairweather, Redfin chief economist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cBut they come with important pitfalls. For example, with a traditional mortgage, you build equity over time; with rent-to-own, you typically don\u2019t own anything until the final payment. Arrangements aren\u2019t always in a buyer\u2019s best interest, and renters may actually end up losing money. Most experts recommend waiting until you\u2019ve saved for a down payment and improved your credit instead of entering a rent-to-own contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does rent-to-own work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a rent-to-own agreement, you\u2019ll rent the home for a few years and purchase it once the lease ends. You\u2019ll agree on the price before signing the contract, get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and appraisal, and negotiate and pay the option fee. Near the end of your rental term, you\u2019ll need to get approved for a mortgage to ensure you\u2019re able to purchase the home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key components of these agreements include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Option fee: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically 1 \u2013 7% of the home\u2019s purchase price, it\u2019s a nonrefundable deposit that secures your right to buy the home at the end of the lease. For example, if the purchase price for your property is $500,000, you\u2019ll pay $5,000 to $35,000 before moving in.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rent credit\/premium:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A portion of your monthly rent is usually set aside and credited toward the home\u2019s purchase price. Your contract should outline where your payments toward purchasing are kept, such as in an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-escrow\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">escrow account<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Purchase price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The contract states the home\u2019s sale price upfront, so you\u2019ll know what you\u2019re expected to pay when it\u2019s time to buy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who is rent-to-own best for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent-to-buy can be a great option if you\u2019re on the path to homeownership, but aren\u2019t ready to buy now. It lets you lock in the purchase price, gives you time to improve your finances, and live in the home before committing to ownership.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent-to-own can be a good idea for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renters with a low credit score who need time to qualify for a mortgage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-time buyers who need to save for a down payment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential buyers who want to test out the neighborhood or home before committing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers in fast-growing markets who want to lock in a price early<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of rent-to-own agreements<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s explore the two types of rent-to-own agreements: lease-option and lease-purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lease-option agreement: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll rent the home for a set time, but aren\u2019t required to purchase it when the lease ends. Usually, you\u2019ll pay a bit extra in monthly rent in addition to the 1% \u2013 7% option fee. You and your landlord agree to a purchase price at the end of the lease. If you don\u2019t choose to buy, you\u2019ll likely lose the money you put down to secure the option.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lease-purchase agreement<\/b><b>:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This contract typically states that you must purchase the property, and your landlord must sell it to you at the end of the contract.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you fail to purchase the property, you\u2019ll lose any of the money you\u2019ve already paid and can be sued or subjected to other penalties.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is rent-to-own a good idea? Pros and cons\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before committing to a rent-to-buy home, it\u2019s important to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some points to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros of rent-to-own<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Time to improve your credit score: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For people with lower credit scores, a rent-to-own home can be a great way to prepare for purchasing your first home. Some lenders work with rent-to-own buyers to help them <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/how-to-improve-your-credit-score\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">repair their credit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and improve their finances to buy the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Lock in the sale price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As home prices continue to increase, rent-to-buy purchases can offer renters the option to lock in the home\u2019s sale price at the beginning of the lease. With the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/data-center\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US median home sale price<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rising to $396,173, about 2.4% higher than last year, this can be helpful in expensive housing markets \u2013 although the market is beginning to shift. If home values rise during the rental period, this could work in your favor. However, if home values decline, you may end up agreeing to pay more than the home\u2019s market value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Try the home and neighborhood before buying: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since you\u2019re already living in the home, you\u2019ll have time to get familiar with the property, neighborhood, commute, and local amenities before committing to ownership.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Option to back out of the deal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a lease-option agreement, you can walk away from the deal if the property has issues, your finances change, or you no longer want to buy the home.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons of rent-to-own<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Additional monthly costs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll likely pay extra in rent each month that goes towards the home\u2019s purchase. While this helps build your down payment, it usually makes rent more expensive than a standard lease, which could be a financial strain if you\u2019re already struggling with your credit and savings.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Potential to lose money:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019re building credit or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-save-for-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saving for a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you still might not be ready to buy when the lease ends. If you\u2019re unable to buy at the end of your agreement, you lose the money set aside in the escrow account.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Paying more than the home\u2019s value: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s possible that the agreed-upon purchase price is higher than the market value at the time of purchase. If this happens, you\u2019ll have to cover the difference or lose your purchase money. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2016\/11\/what-you-need-know-about-rent-own-home-deals\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal Trade Commission (FTC)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warns renters that they may not qualify for a mortgage if the purchase price is too high.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> You don\u2019t own the home until the end of the lease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Until closing day happens, you aren\u2019t the owner of the home. You\u2019re still paying rent and putting additional money aside to purchase the home later on. These funds could be used to save for a down payment on a different home or to pay off debts to improve your credit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Responsibility for maintenance and repairs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many rent-to-own contracts, you\u2019re responsible for maintaining the property and paying for any major repairs, which you\u2019ll need to factor into your budget. In standard leases, the landlord would cover these costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to find rent-to-own homes<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several ways to find rent-to-buy homes, including working with an agent. To help you get started, here are some pathways you can take to find the right program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with a real estate agent<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best ways to find a rent-to-own program that meets your needs is by working with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A great real estate agent is knowledgeable about the local housing market, listings <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/redfin-policy-seller-choice\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not yet on the MLS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and available rent-to-buy programs. Once you find a home, they can help you negotiate a rent-to-own agreement with a seller and review the final terms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get in touch with a brokerage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some real estate brokerages specialize in rent-to-own properties. Typically, these brokerages work directly with sellers to establish rent-to-own agreements. They may have a network of programs or available rent-to-own homes. You can work with your agent to find these brokerages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign up for rent-to-own programs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your state may have specific rent-to-own programs you can sign up for. In addition, state and local governments often have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/down-payment-assistance-programs\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment assistance programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can help you afford a home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically geared towards first-time homebuyers, these programs help reduce your down payment or closing costs. You may need to meet certain income requirements or other qualifications, depending on the program details. Your agent or lender can also help you identify assistance programs in your area that you may qualify for.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Search listings on rent-to-own sites<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some common rent-to-own sites include Divvy, Home Partners of America, Landis, and Dream America. These are some programs, but there may be other programs more tailored to your market.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that not all listings are created equal; some could be scams or not be a true \u201crent-to-own home.\u201d Be sure to review the listing thoroughly and include your real estate agent in any conversations you have with the homeowner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Questions to ask before signing a rent-to-own contract<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re contemplating a rent-to-buy home, there are some questions to ask before signing the contract:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it a lease-option agreement or a lease-purchase agreement?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the deadlines for when money and other obligations are due?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the purchase price?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much of my rent goes toward the purchase price?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the option fee go toward the purchase price?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if the seller defaults on their mortgage or sells the property before the lease ends?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Am I likely to qualify for a mortgage when the lease ends, and what steps should I take now to improve my chances?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if I walk away at the end of the lease?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who covers home maintenance?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who covers property taxes, home insurance, and other carrying costs?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which utilities are my obligation?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider asking some of the same <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/questions-to-ask-when-renting-an-apartment-or-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">questions renters ask when renting an apartment or home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as whether pets are allowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to spot rent-to-own scams<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to keep an eye out for rent-to-own scams. Some common scams include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The seller doesn\u2019t actually own the home,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and lists it as a rent-to-own property. After applying with your information, upfront fees, or nonrefundable deposits, they may take your information and money and disappear.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The home is secretly in foreclosure, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and once you buy the home, you\u2019re responsible for any liens or debts associated with the property.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The home has undisclosed issues, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as lead paint, mold damage, termites, or asbestos.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The home is overpriced, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and you may be paying more than the home is worth. It\u2019s important to understand what other similar homes in the area cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>There are unfair contract terms,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like hidden fees, strict penalties, or clauses that make it easy to lose your option to buy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other contractual scams may cause you to lose out on the home or overpay in fees. If you\u2019re considering a rent-to-own home, it\u2019s important to have any contracts reviewed by an attorney and a real estate agent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOne reason rent-to-own homes are appealing is because the housing market is so expensive to break into,\u201d continued Fairweather. \u201cThere have been many proposals put forth to bring down costs over the years\u2014including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cato.org\/blog\/there-back-again-21st-century-road-housing-act\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">banning institutional investors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the build-to-rent space\u2014but the core issue remains the same: there aren\u2019t enough homes for people who need them. The best way to increase homeownership and meaningfully improve affordability is to build more housing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a rent-to-own home right for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent-to-own may be a good choice if you\u2019re planning to buy a home in the future, but need time to increase your credit score or save for a down payment. At the end of the day, examining your financial situation and understanding your current and future plans can help you make the decision. If you\u2019re looking for additional insight, a real estate agent can help determine the right option for you. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rent-to-own homes are rentals with the option to buy at the end of your lease. Find out if a rent-to-own program is the right path to homeownership.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":537,"featured_media":75554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276,10756],"tags":[34529,34629,34630],"coauthors":[33440],"class_list":["post-75547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","category-featured-post","tag-buying-faq","tag-first-time-homebuyer","tag-homeownership-costs-and-benefits"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Does Rent-To-Own Work? A Complete Guide | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Rent-to-own homes are rentals with the option to buy at the end of your lease. Find out if a rent-to-own program is the right path to homeownership.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/rent-to-own-homes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Does Rent-To-Own Work?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Rent-to-own homes are rentals with the option to buy at the end of your lease. 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