Rent With Option To Buy

Definition of "Rent with option to buy"

Joe  Ravida real estate agent

Written by

Joe Ravidaelite badge icon

Keller Williams

Sometimes a landlord agrees to implement within the rent contract the possibility of the tenant buying the house at a certain price, by a certain date. It’s what’s called in the real estate world as a Rent with Option to Buy or a Rent to Own.

A rent with option to buy is a lease with a purchase option - not obligation. So it’s a great opportunity for the tenants, who can make a “test drive” of the house getting a feel for the neighborhood, its community and services before making a big financial commitment. It also warrants them time to save more money and get rid of certain impediments that could make a house sale go south.

Also, and super important in volatile markets, a rent with option to buy stipulates the selling price at the beginning of the relationship. When time comes to exercise the option, if the prices went up… too bad for the landlord. Tenant’s paying exactly what was agreed early on. But hey; if prices went down: tough luck, Tenant. Landlord gets the money!

Rent with option to buy is good for landlords as well, since they are earning rent money throughout the relationship and, in the end, might even sell the house.

 

Real Estate Tips:

Take a look at our blog further explaining Rent to Own Properties.

Discover more real estate terms in our Glossary!

And if you’re looking for an agent, try The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory®.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

An increase in land occurring from the withdrawal of a body of water. Normally, when reliction occurs, the increase in land area belongs to the individual having water rights in the area. ...

To understand the definition of the term demised premises, one must understand what demise means. Because demised premises is a widespread use for the term demise. The demised premises ...

Economic or physical life of a fixed asset. The property is depreciated over the period benefited. ...

Expected period that property will provide benefits. It is typically less than physical life of the property because the property continues to have physical life regardless of inefficiency ...

Horizontally placed timber that is connected to other timber. Smooth, flat, thin piece of metal. Electrical covering. ...

A lease requiring tenants to pay all utilities, insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs. ...

The term foraging comes from the old germanic language, which passed through Old French “fuerre” and “fourrage” and it means the search for wild food resources. ...

Ownership of property by two or more people in undivided interests, without the right of survivorship. Each coowner's interest may be conveyed separately by its owner. Tenancy in common ...

Fan with an opening to the outside air that lets stale or hot air exit the structure; usually used in a kitchen when cooking or in a bathroom that does not have a window. It is used for ...

Popular Real Estate Questions