Lease/Option/Buy
Solutions Designed to Fit Your Needs
In today’s slower real estate market, creative solutions can make all the difference. Lease Option and Lease Purchase programs provide flexible alternatives for homeowners who want to sell while continuing to generate income and reduce vacancy.
At Rent Robin, we help property owners navigate these strategies correctly—clearly defining expectations, responsibilities, risks, and rewards for all parties involved.
Lease-Purchase
A Lease Purchase is not a Lease Option.
A lease purchase is a contract to sell with a delayed closing date. It should only be used by:
Owner-landlords who intend to sell
Buyer-tenants who intend to purchase
These agreements are facilitated by attorneys and closely resemble traditional real estate purchase contracts. They address critical details including:
Purchase price
Financing terms
Taxes
Termite inspection
Title examination
Warranty deed
Required disclosures
Because the details matter, lease purchase agreements must be structured carefully. In most cases:
Maintenance responsibilities shift to the tenant
Possession is defined through a traditional rental agreement until closing
Lease-Option
A lease option allows a tenant to lease a property with the option (but not the obligation) to purchase.
Depending on negotiation, the agreement:
May or may not define purchase price
May or may not include financing, title exam, or disclosures
Will define maintenance responsibilities at lease signing
Requires tenant consideration for the option (often non-refundable)
This is not a “no money down” or “no risk” path to homeownership. Any legitimate lease option requires real financial commitment from the tenant.
Unfortunately, we often see lease-option programs abused—using inflated prices or questionable terms that benefit owners while placing tenants at unnecessary risk. Our approach prioritizes fairness, clarity, and long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need Rent Robin to Manage a Lease Purchase?
Getting contracts signed is only the beginning.
A lease purchase does not eliminate management challenges—it simply places the tenant on a path toward ownership. Even with more money at stake, lease-purchase tenants are still what we call “homeowners in training.”
Common issues still occur:
Late or missed rent payments
Returned checks
Undisclosed pets
Deferred maintenance
Property deterioration
Assuming these tenants will manage themselves is a costly mistake. Ongoing, attentive management is essential to protect your property and keep the transaction moving toward a successful closing.