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Equal Housing Opportunity

Compare your options

Rent or Rent-to-Own: what's the difference?

Renting is a lease. Rent-to-own is a home-buying program for people who don't qualify for a traditional mortgage yet. Here's how they compare — and how to tell which one you're ready for.

Rent
Live in a home under a standard lease. Flexible, no long-term commitment, and requirements are set by each property manager.
Rent-to-Own
Move in today, stop paying someone else's mortgage, and build towards owning your home — with qualifying rules built for people a bank said "not yet" to.

Renting vs. rent-to-own, side by side

Rent
Rent-to-Own
What it is
A standard lease on a home.
A home-buying program for people who don’t qualify for a traditional mortgage yet.
Best for
Flexibility, short-term plans, or rebuilding credit.
People ready to settle in and work towards owning.
Lease term
12 months, then renew or move.
Stay while you get qualified to purchase.
Equity
None. Rent is paid to the landlord.
Build equity in your home.
Debt-to-income
Set by each property manager.
Expanded debt-to-income ratios.
Self-employed
Typically tax returns or pay stubs.
Approved with 3 months of bank statements.
Second jobs
Varies by property.
Can count with less than 2 years’ history.
Credit guidelines
Set by each property manager.
Expanded guidelines. See requirements above.
Upfront costs
Typically a security deposit and first month’s rent.
Varies by home. Your guide explains all costs before you commit.
Monthly payment
Rent only.
Set for each home. Your guide walks you through how payments work.
Repairs & upkeep
Usually the landlord’s responsibility.
Set in each home’s agreement. Your guide explains it before you commit.
At the end of the term
Renew your lease or move.
You can buy the home, like a regular purchase. Terms are set for each home.
Not ready yet?
Apply to rent today.
Use Boost My Score, then re-check.

60-second check

Do I qualify for a rent-to-own home?

Two quick questions to see where you stand.

What's a tradeline?
Any credit account that reports to the bureaus — a credit card, car loan, student loan or credit-builder account. Rent-to-own needs at least one that's been open 12+ months with no late payments.
1. What is your approximate FICO score?
2. Do you have a credit account open for 12+ months with no late payments?
Answer both questions to see your result.

This check is for information only. It is not an application, pre-approval, or commitment to lend.

Your path from renter to owner

Start wherever you are today.

STEP 1
Rent now
Find a home that fits your budget today.
STEP 2
Boost My Score
Build towards a stronger score and 12 months of on-time history.
STEP 3
Qualify for rent-to-own
Meet the minimums and apply with a guide.
STEP 4
Work towards owning
Live in your home on the path to ownership.

FAQ

Find the right home path without guessing.

How does My Rent Solution work?

It takes three steps. First, complete one simple application and create your profile with your location, budget, timeline and housing goals. Next, set up your credit profile so we can see where you stand. Then you’ll see homes that fit you, whether that’s renting,lease-to-ownor buying, and get clear next steps from a real person.

Do I have to pull my credit?

We never do a hard credit pull. When you apply, you’ll set up SmartCredit credit monitoring, which uses a soft pull to check all three bureaus without lowering your score. It lets you and your guide see your credit and work on raising it.

What are the requirements to apply?

Everyone is encouraged to apply. Our program offers flexible criteria, and final eligibility will be personally reviewed and determined by a specialist.

What are my options: Rent, Buy, or Lease-to-Own?

You can rent a home now, move into alease-to-ownhome and work towards owning it, or buy a home if you’re ready for a mortgage. We help you see which paths fit your credit and goals today.

What is Lease-to-Own?

This is a specialized home purchase program, not a rental agreement, designed specifically for homes that are for sale. It offers expanded guidelines that bridge the gap to traditional homeownership, providing flexible pathways for buyers working towards full qualification as well as those who qualify today.

Once you apply, you will be matched with a licensed, dedicated loan officer who will evaluate your financial profile and guide you through every step of the purchase process.

During the process, your dedicated loan officer will work to secure your pre-approval much like a traditional FHA mortgage, requiring a down payment alongside standard closing costs. You then move into your home while working towards final mortgage readiness, after which you seamlessly assume the mortgage under your name.

What are the differences between Renting, Buying, and Lease-to-Own?

You can rent,lease-to-own, or purchase a home directly if you're ready for a mortgage. Once you complete your application, you will be matched with a dedicated professional who will guide you to the path that best fits your credit, timeline, and goals.

Why is Lease-to-Own a strong option right now?

It lets you move into your ideal home today while working towards becoming mortgage-ready. You can build your credit and establish eligibility right from your new home, securing your option to purchase without delaying your move.

What if my credit isn’t strong enough to rent?

You may still have options.Lease-to-ownhas expanded guidelines, and you’ll be matched with a professional who shows you what’s holding you back and helps you fix it, step by step. OurBoost My Scoretools can help too.

What if I want to buy a home?

We will review your credit and goals to connect you with eligible homes and match you with a dedicated professional who will guide you to the right path for financing and down payment assistance. If you are not quite ready, they will map out the exact steps to get you there.

What if my credit score is too low?

Start withBoost My Score. Tools like a credit-builder card, Experian Boost, and SmartCredit can help raise your score. Plus, you will be matched with a dedicated professional who will guide you step by step and show you exactly what to focus on.

How long does the process take?

Getting started is quick and effortless: completing the application takes less than 5 minutes. Once submitted, you will be matched with a dedicated professional within 24 hours to help guide your next steps. If you haven’t been matched within 24 hours, simplycontact usand we’ll connect you right away.

Is there a fee to apply?

Creating your profile is free. Applying includes setting up SmartCredit credit monitoring, which is $24.99 a month. We suggest keeping it until you move into your new home; after that you can keep it or cancel. Seepricing.

Will I receive personal guidance?

Yes. Once you submit your application, you will be matched with a dedicated professional who will evaluate your unique situation, create a personalized action plan, and guide you through every step of the process until you are settled in your new home. Every step of the way, the My Rent Solution team is always there to support and help you.