Can A Landlord Break A Rent To Own Contract?

The rising popularity of serviced apartments attracts guests seeking hotel-like comforts while maintaining their privacy. To stand out among the competition and increase profitability, it’s crucial to enhance your marketing strategies for your multiple properties in town.

A fundamental question that arises in these arrangements is whether a landlord can break a rent-to-own contract and under what circumstances. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this query, shedding light on the scenarios and legal considerations that may lead a landlord to consider terminating such an agreement.

When Can a Seller Back Out of a Rent to Own Agreement?

Under a rent-to-own agreement, sellers can typically terminate the contract if buyers violate any clauses. These agreements often favor sellers and are stringent. Any breach of obligations by the buyer might result in contract cancellation.

Sellers might have grounds to withdraw from a rent-to-own agreement if buyers violate common clauses, including:

Financing approval: Many such agreements hinge on buyers securing mortgage approval within about 30 days. If this approval isn’t obtained, the seller may exit the deal.
Late payments: Failure to make rent payments could enable the seller to terminate the lease agreement. This right may be exercised if tenants are consistently tardy or miss payments.
Maintenance responsibilities: Rent-to-own contracts often place specific maintenance duties on the prospective buyer. If these obligations aren’t met within the lease period, the seller may have the right to withdraw from the agreement.

The Basics Of Rent To Own Contracts:

What constitutes the fundamentals of a rent-to-own agreement? Generally, these agreements comprise two core components:

Lease/Rental Agreement
Purchase Option

These components can be consolidated into a single agreement or executed separately. Nonetheless, it’s imperative that all concerned parties endorse both elements to formalize a rent-to-own contract. Further details on the essential inclusions will be discussed in the following section.

Lease/Rent Agreement

The rental agreement closely resembles a standard tenancy contract, encompassing typical inclusions. It primarily outlines the tenancy’s terms, both parties’ responsibilities, the lease duration, and the rent structure.

Purchase Option

The option segment of the contract bestows upon the tenant the privilege to acquire the rental property at a specified future time.

Typically, a purchase option unfolds as follows:

The tenant submits an option fee, securing the right to purchase the property at a later date; this fee is nonrefundable.
Both parties establish a purchase date and an agreed-upon price for the property.
The tenant pays their standard monthly rent in addition to a rent credit, an extra payment allocated towards the eventual house purchase.

Naturally, the precise terms of this arrangement will differ on a case-by-case basis. The specifics should be clearly delineated within your rent-to-own agreement.

Rent To Own Eviction Laws

Is it feasible to initiate eviction proceedings against a tenant when a rent-to-own agreement is in effect?

Yes, it remains possible to pursue eviction if the tenant repeatedly or seriously violates the lease terms. Despite their option to purchase the property, they are not entitled to breach the lease terms. Adjudication of such cases can be sought in municipal or common pleas courts.

Should you encounter difficulties with your tenant, find guidance on addressing these issues and proceeding with eviction here.

FAQs: Rent To Own

Is Rent To Own Safe?

In most cases, yes, but it should not be regarded as an absolute assurance.

Can A Landlord Break A Rent-To-Own Contract?

Unless the tenant breaches the lease agreement, terminating the rent-to-own contract is challenging. While there is an option to refund the tenant’s initial payment to terminate the agreement, this would require negotiation between you and the tenant. Thus, entering into a rent-to-own arrangement should only be considered if you are fully committed to it.

What Should Be Included In A Rent-To-Own Contract?

Furthermore, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on your local and state laws regarding the necessary components of a rent-to-own contract. Certain states mandate specific disclosure amendments and inspections before a lease-to-own agreement can be executed. If such requirements are applicable, it’s imperative to adhere to them.