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Rent‑to‑own housing has emerged as a viable pathway to homeownership for Canadians who aren’t yet ready, or able, to qualify for a traditional mortgage.
Whether you’re building credit, establishing stable income, or saving for a larger down payment, rent‑to‑own programs offer structure, flexibility, and potential financial benefit.
In 2026, this sector continues to evolve, with a range of companies offering varied terms, service areas, and support services. This guide explains the rent‑to‑own model, what to look for in a provider, and full profiles of the most reputable rent-to-own home companies operating in Canada today.
What is rent‑to‑own housing in Canada?
Rent‑to‑own housing, also called lease‑to‑own homes or tenant‑to‑owner homes, is a contractual arrangement where you rent a home with the option to buy it at a specified price after a certain period. During the lease, a portion of your rent can be allocated toward your future down payment or purchase price, a structure often referred to as “rent credits.”
Key components of most rent‑to‑own agreements include:
- Option fee: A one‑time upfront payment (often 2%–5% of the home price) that secures your right to buy at the end of the term.
- Lease term: Usually 2–5 years, during which you live in the home as a tenant and build savings toward purchase.
- Rent credits: A defined portion of your monthly rent credited toward your eventual down payment or purchase price.
- Buyout price: The pre‑agreed price you will pay if you choose to buy the home at the end of the term.
- Lease option: This type of agreement gives you the option — but not the obligation — to buy at the end of the lease. A lease purchase can create a legal obligation to buy, so it’s important to understand the difference.
Rent‑to‑own contracts are not uniformly regulated across Canada, so service levels and protections vary by provider. Carefully comparing terms and securing independent legal advice before signing is essential.
How rent‑to‑own works: key concepts and terms
Rent‑to‑own housing blends elements of traditional renting with structured homeownership preparation. The following terms are worth understanding before you explore programs.
Option fee: This upfront payment (typically 2–5% of the home’s value) gives you the exclusive right to buy the property at a locked‑in price later. Unlike a standard security deposit, this fee often goes toward your future equity if you exercise the option.
Rent credits: Many rent‑to‑own programs allocate a portion of your monthly rent to savings for a down payment. These “rent credits” accumulate over time and can reduce the amount you need when you ultimately seek financing.
Buyout price: This is the price you agree to pay for the property if you choose to exercise your purchase option. Locking in the buyout price at the beginning of your lease can protect you from market appreciation.
Lease option vs lease purchase: A lease option gives you the choice to buy at the end of the term without legal obligation. A lease purchase typically commits you to buy, even if you later decide not to. Most reputable rent‑to‑own programs use the lease option model for flexibility.
Title registration: Some companies allow you to register an interest, such as an “option to purchase”, on the home’s title during your lease. This can add legal protection to your savings and future purchase rights.
Read more about 12 rent-to-own myths and misconceptions
How to choose the right rent‑to‑own provider
Choosing a rent‑to‑own company requires careful comparison. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Minimum down payment: Lower initial costs can improve accessibility.
- Contract flexibility: Being able to buy early or exit without significant penalties adds freedom.
- Home choice: Some providers limit you to homes they own; the best let you choose any MLS‑listed property.
- Rent reporting: Having rent reported to credit bureaus can help improve your credit history.
- Legal safeguards: The presence of lease options and title registration options offers added protection.
- Service area: Not all companies operate nationwide; regional coverage matters if mobility is important.
- Transparency: Clear, written terms about credits, fees, and obligations reduce risk.
Top rent‑to‑own companies in Canada (2026)
Below is a detailed look at some of the most reputable rent‑to‑own home providers currently operating in Canada, including what they’re best known for, where they operate, and key features of their programs.
1. Requity Homes
Best for: Transparency, flexibility, and tech-enabled experience
Service areas: Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Reviews: 4.9/5 on Google
Why it stands out:
Requity Homes is widely recognized as Canada’s number one rent-to-own program provider. It is also the only rent-to-own company in Canada partnered with CMHC through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund.
Unlike other rent-to-own companies that rely on matching clients with individual private investors, Requity uses its own secured institutional funding to purchase homes upfront. This removes investor uncertainty and gives buyers more speed, choice, and predictability.
Requity’s model is built specifically for Canadians who need time to save, build credit, or stabilize income before buying.
Key highlights:
- Canada’s number one rent-to-own program provider, trusted by buyers across multiple provinces
- The only rent-to-own company in Canada backed by CMHC through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
- Low upfront cost: Start with as little as 2% down
- Full home choice: Pick almost any move-in-ready home listed for sale as long as it meets minimum eligibility requirements
- Buy anytime: No minimum rental term — purchase at any point during the program
- Rent builds credit: Payments are reported to Equifax at no cost
- Built-in savings: Monthly rent includes a dedicated savings portion for your future down payment
- Lower transaction costs: Requity covers legal fees, title insurance, and land transfer tax when buying the home
Bonus features:
- Option to transfer your savings to a different property if your plans change
- Walk-away option with most savings refunded (minus a small fee)
- Suitable for self-employed Canadians, newcomers, and those rebuilding credit
Learn more about how the Requity Homes rent-to-own program works
Pre-qualify for Requity Homes in minutes
2. JAAG Properties
Best for: Flexible lease terms and client‑directed home selection
Service areas: Primarily Ontario
Reviews: 4.4/5 on Google
Key terms
- Lease terms from 2 to 4 years
- No last month’s rent deposit required
- Tenant picks home, JAAG purchases it
Highlights
JAAG Properties is known for offering flexible timelines and a strong investor network to support home purchases. Clients select the home they want, often from MLS listings, and JAAG arranges the purchase on their behalf. The range of lease terms provides flexibility for buyers with varying timelines for mortgage readiness.
While JAAG’s model can still require reliance on investor matching, it has established a solid presence in Ontario’s rent‑to‑own landscape and is suitable for buyers who want structured flexibility without being tied to inventory owned by the provider.
3. Sprout Properties
Best for: Buyers who need credit help and personalized planning
Service areas: Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick
Reviews: 4.9/5 on Google
Key terms
- Tailored rent‑to‑own plans with credit support
- Monthly payments structured to savings goals
Highlights
Sprout Properties differentiates itself with a focus on financial education and credit improvement alongside rent‑to‑own terms. This makes it a strong choice for Canadians whose credit scores may need improvement before qualifying for a mortgage.
Sprout works with clients across several provinces, offering a more consultative planning approach. While terms can vary, the emphasis on long‑term mortgage readiness — not just the rent‑to‑own period — is Sprout’s key strength.
4. Clover Properties
Best for: Price protection and predictability
Service areas: Ontario
Reviews: 4.6/5 on Google
Key terms
- Lock‑in pricing for the future buyout amount
- Flexible lease terms
Highlights
Clover Properties is recognized for its “lock‑in” pricing model, which secures the future purchase price at the start of the rent‑to‑own agreement. This can protect buyers from rising market values during their lease period — a valuable feature in appreciating markets.
Clover’s approach gives clients clarity and predictability about the eventual purchase price, which may be especially useful for those concerned about future affordability or market volatility.
5. HOS Financial (Home Owner Soon)
Best for: Access in Ontario and Quebec with bilingual support
Service areas: Ontario, Quebec
Reviews: 4.8/5 on Google
Key terms
- Variable upfront option fees
- Custom lease terms based on buyer profile
Highlights
HOS Financial, also known as Home Owner Soon, is among the longest‑running rent‑to‑own providers in Canada. With bilingual service across Ontario and Quebec, it’s often used by buyers in markets where legal frameworks differ from province to province.
HOS offers customizable contracts and works with a network of investors, giving many buyers a way into homeownership who might otherwise find securing a mortgage difficult.
Government‑supported rent‑to‑own options
While most rent‑to‑own programs in Canada are offered by private companies, a provincial pilot exists:
Prince Edward Island rent‑to‑own pilot
- Designed for moderate‑income households
- Available for homes under a specified price cap (e.g., $350,000)
- Operated directly by the PEI government
Looking into provincial or federal housing supports, including grants, tax rebates, or shared-equity programs, may also be a useful alternative for buyers not ready to commit to rent‑to‑own. These options won’t always work the same way but can help reduce upfront costs or improve mortgage eligibility over time.
Why Requity Homes is considered one of the best rent‑to‑own companies
Requity Homes’ tenant‑first model incorporates several features that distinguish it from many traditional rent‑to‑own structures. Here’s a comparison below of Requity Homes vs other rent-to-own companies in Canada:
How to verify a legitimate rent‑to‑own provider
Because the rent‑to‑own sector is not regulated uniformly across provinces, protecting yourself involves careful vetting:
1. Check the vetting process
Legitimate providers assess your financials before approval and let you select any home on the open market rather than pushing pre‑owned inventory.
2. Get independent legal advice
A reputable company will encourage review by your own lawyer before signing any agreement.
3. Understand the contract structure
Ensure you’re entering a lease option agreement, not a binding purchase commitment unless you choose to buy.
4. Ask about title protections
Registered interests on title (e.g., a caveat or option to purchase) add legal protection for your savings and future rights.
5. Read reviews and seek references
Independent reviews and client references can provide insight into support quality, transparency, and real‑world experiences.
So, what’s the best rent-to-own company in Canada?
Requity Homes is considered one of the best rent-to-own companies in Canada for its transparent pricing, flexible structure, and ability to serve a wide range of buyer profiles — including newcomers, self-employed Canadians, and those rebuilding credit.
Unlike traditional models that rely on investor matching, Requity uses its own secured funding to purchase homes, giving clients more certainty and choice. With low upfront costs, rent payments that help build credit, and no minimum lease term, the program is designed to make homeownership more accessible — without added pressure.
See why more Canadians are choosing Requity Homes
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about top rent-to-own companies in Canada
How much down payment is required for rent‑to‑own in Canada?
Most programs require 2%–5% of the home’s value as an upfront option fee. Requity Homes accepts as low as 2%.
Does rent‑to‑own improve my credit?
Only if the company reports your rent to a credit bureau. Requity reports rent payments to Equifax at no cost to the tenant.
Read more about how rent-to-own improves your credit score
Is rent‑to‑own more expensive than traditional homebuying?
Monthly costs can be higher than standard renting to build savings, but the trade‑off is time to save and prepare for a mortgage while securing a home and potentially locking in a purchase price.
