Rent-to-Own Agreement
Understand how rent-to-own agreements work in Canada, their benefits and risks, and how they help renters transition into homeownership.
May 22, 2025
What is a Rent-to-Own Agreement?
A Rent-to-Own Agreement is a contract that allows a tenant to rent a property with the option—or obligation—to purchase it after a set period.
Why Do Rent-to-Own Agreements Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, rent-to-own agreements are often used by buyers who may not currently qualify for a mortgage but plan to do so in the future. These agreements typically include:
A lease term (usually 1–3 years)
- A portion of monthly rent set aside as a future down payment
- A locked-in purchase price or formula for future value
- An option or requirement to purchase at the end of the lease
Benefits for buyers include:
- Time to improve credit or save for a down payment
- Price certainty in a rising market
Risks and considerations include:
- Loss of credits if the purchase doesn’t proceed
- Responsibility for maintenance and insurance
- Higher monthly payments compared to standard rentals
Rent-to-own agreements must be carefully reviewed by legal and financial professionals to ensure fairness and clarity for both parties.
Example of a Rent-to-Own Agreement in Action
A family enters a rent-to-own agreement for a $600,000 home, paying $2,500 monthly, with $500 credited each month toward a future down payment.
Key Takeaways
- Combines renting with future buying option.
- Monthly rent may include credit toward purchase.
- Purchase terms are agreed upfront.
- Suitable for buyers building credit.
- Requires legal review to avoid pitfalls.
Related Terms
- Lease Option
- Home Purchase Agreement
- Down Payment
- Credit Score
- Alternative Financing
An overview of the 2024 design (left) and 2025 design (right) for the Bristol project. / SvN Architects & Planners, Bosa Properties
The phasing plan for the Bristol master-planned project. / SvN Architects & Planners, Bosa Properties
Renderings of the Bristol 
Renderings of Tower Three, which will be delivered in Phase One. / SvN Architects & Planners, Bosa Properties 
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
First-quarter new home sales over the past five years/BILD, GOHBA, Zonda Urban via the Missing Middle Institute
According to CMHC’s chart above, anything short of that keeps price-to-income ratios “near pandemic-era highs,” the agency warns, stressing that “increasing housing supply is the key to restoring affordability.”
