How to Find Rent-to-Own Homes: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers

Rent-to-own homes can be a smart alternative for people who want to become homeowners but aren’t quite ready for a traditional mortgage.

Maybe your credit score needs work, or you haven’t saved up a full down payment yet. Whatever the case, rent-to-own gives you the chance to live in a home now and buy it later.

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But finding a rent-to-own home isn’t always easy. These deals are less common than regular rentals or sales, and not every listing labeled “rent-to-own” is legit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what rent-to-own means, who it’s for, and—most importantly—how to actually find rent-to-own homes that are worth your time and money.

What Is Rent-to-Own Housing?

A rent-to-own agreement (also called lease-to-own or lease-option) is a hybrid of renting and buying. You sign a lease to rent a home for a set period—usually 1 to 3 years—with the option to buy the property before the lease ends. During the lease, a portion of your monthly rent may go toward the future purchase price.

You’ll usually pay an upfront “option fee” (often 1% to 5% of the home price) to lock in your right to buy later. If you go through with the purchase, that money typically gets credited toward the home. If you don’t, the fee is usually nonrefundable.

Some agreements are lease-option (you can choose whether to buy), while others are lease-purchase (you’re obligated to buy at the end). That detail matters, so always read the fine print.

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Is Rent-to-Own Right for You?

Rent-to-own is designed for people who want to buy a home but aren’t quite there financially. It might make sense if:

• You have steady income but poor or limited credit

• You need time to save for a down payment

• You want to lock in a home and price now, but need 1–2 years to get mortgage-ready

• You’re serious about owning and want to “test drive” the home before committing

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Step-by-Step: How to Find Rent-to-Own Homes

Finding rent-to-own homes takes more effort than browsing Zillow for rentals. These deals aren’t everywhere, and scams are a real concern. But if you know where to look—and what to watch out for—you can find legitimate options. Here’s where to start:

1. Use Major Rent-to-Own Programs

In the last few years, new companies have launched to simplify the rent-to-own process. These programs aren’t for everyone, but they can be a solid option if you qualify.

We've compiled a list of the top 18 rent-to-own programs in Florida for first-time homebuyers.

Here are a few from our list:

• Divvy Homes – You pick a home listed for sale on the open market. Divvy buys it and rents it to you while you build equity. You can buy the home after 3 years using rent credits.

• Home Partners of America – Similar model: you choose from a list of eligible homes, and the company buys and rents it to you. You have the option to purchase it at a predetermined price within 3 to 5 years.

• Dream America, Landis, and Pathway Homes – Other startups with slightly different models. Some provide credit coaching or budgeting tools along the way.

These companies often have minimum credit score and income requirements. They also may charge higher rent, so read their terms carefully. But they can remove the biggest barrier: finding a seller who’s open to rent-to-own.

See If You Qualify for a Florida Rent-to-Own Home Today

2. Check Real Estate Platforms That List Rent-to-Own Properties

Start with websites that specifically offer rent-to-own listings:

• RentToOwnLabs.com – A popular aggregator for rent-to-own homes across the U.S. You can search by ZIP code and see estimated property values. It offers free searches, though some features may require a paid account.

• HousingList.com – Another major site for rent-to-own listings, including both owner-listed homes and government-owned properties. It includes tools to narrow your search by city, state, or school district.

• HomeFinder.com – Offers rent-to-own filters and also includes pre-foreclosures and auctions.

While general sites like Zillow and Realtor.com don’t always have a dedicated rent-to-own filter, you can search keywords like “rent to own” or “lease option” in the listing descriptions. Some homes listed for sale may mention flexibility in terms.

Keep in mind that many rent-to-own listings on these platforms are limited, so cast a wide net and don’t expect to find dozens of options in every city.

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3. Work With a Real Estate Agent

Some real estate agents specialize in creative financing deals—including lease options and rent-to-own. A local agent might know of off-market properties or struggling listings where the seller is open to this kind of arrangement.

Tips:

• Search for agents who mention “rent-to-own” or “creative financing” in their bios.

• Ask if they’ve handled rent-to-own deals before.

• Be honest about your budget and timeline. The more they understand your goals, the better they can help.

If you’re in a slower housing market, you may have more luck. In competitive markets, most sellers prefer a traditional sale, but agents can sometimes negotiate a rent-to-own deal with motivated sellers.

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4. Look for Homes That Have Been on the Market a Long Time

Some homes sit on the market for months without selling. These sellers may be open to alternative offers—especially if they’ve already moved out or are paying two mortgages.

You can use Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com to search for listings that have been active for a long time. Look for homes that:

• Have been listed for 90+ days

• Have had multiple price drops

• Are vacant or staged

• Seem stuck in a slow-moving market

Then reach out (or have your agent reach out) and ask if the owner would consider a lease-option agreement. Even if the listing doesn’t say “rent-to-own,” it never hurts to ask.

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5. Search Classifieds and Local Listings (Carefully)

Sometimes private landlords advertise rent-to-own deals in places like:

• Craigslist

• Facebook Marketplace

• Local newspapers

• Community bulletin boards

These listings can be hit or miss. You might find a hidden gem—or run into a scam.

Be extra cautious:

• Never send money without verifying ownership

• Ask for a walk-through and a copy of the title or property tax bill

• Avoid any deal that seems too good to be true

If possible, use an attorney or real estate professional to help you evaluate any direct-from-owner agreement. These are often the least regulated and most risky, but they’re also where some buyers find the best opportunities.

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6. Check with Local Housing Programs and Nonprofits

Some cities, counties, or nonprofit housing organizations run lease-purchase programs to help lower-income or first-time buyers transition to homeownership. These programs are limited but can offer affordable, well-structured rent-to-own options.

Examples:

• Cleveland Housing Network has pioneered programs where tenants can rent low-income homes and purchase them after 15 years.

• Habitat for Humanity sometimes offers lease-purchase paths in certain locations.

• Local housing authorities may also partner with landlords to offer rent-to-own options for voucher holders.

To find these programs:

• Call your local housing agency or HUD-approved housing counselor

• Search for “[Your City] lease-purchase program” or “[Your State] first-time homebuyer rent to own”

• Visit HUD.gov for a list of approved counselors and programs

These options often include buyer education, credit counseling, and legal protections that private deals don’t. If you qualify, they’re worth exploring.

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Final Thoughts

Finding a rent-to-own home takes patience and research, but it can be a powerful stepping stone to homeownership—especially if your finances aren’t quite mortgage-ready.

Focus on legitimate sources, take the time to understand each deal, and always protect yourself with inspections, paperwork, and professional help.

The more you understand the process, the better your chances of finding a rent-to-own home that helps you reach your goal: owning a place to call your own.

See If You Qualify for a Florida Rent-to-Own Home Today