LEASE TO OWN

An agreement where an individual is given an option - not an obligation - to purchase the asset after the lease period ends. This arrangement includes a clause where the renter will purchase the property at a predetermined price and time. In most cases, a percentage of the total rental payment goes to paying the amount of the leased item, should the renter wants to exercise this right.

The rates stated in lease to own agreements are more expensive than the standard rental arrangements. In housing properties, the lessee will have to pay the option fee and the rent premium aside from the rental fee.