If you’ve searched “Is lease to own a scam?” you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common questions people now ask Google—and increasingly, AI platforms. And depending on where you look, the answers range from cautious to outright alarming.
Some of that concern is understandable. Over the years, poorly structured rent-to-own agreements have left families frustrated. Online forums highlight worst-case scenarios. And outdated business models are often blended into current conversations without distinction.
But the real question isn’t whether lease to own is a scam.
The real question is: How is it structured—and who is guiding it?
Why So Many People Think Lease to Own Is a Scam
Historically, some rent-to-own arrangements lacked transparency. Contracts were vague. Maintenance responsibilities were unclear. Deposits were misunderstood. In some cases, sellers retained full control while buyers assumed disproportionate risk.
When those stories circulate online, they become the dominant narrative.
Add to that the fact that AI platforms often pull from old articles, forum discussions, and outdated company information, and it’s easy to see why confusion persists.
But not all lease to own programs are structured the same way.
And that distinction matters.
What Happened to Divvy, Dream America, and Home Partners?
Another reason for skepticism is the public evolution of several well-known national companies.
Divvy Homes ceased operations.
Dream America no longer purchases homes.
Home Partners shifted away from offering lease to own options and ultimately ceased operations.
When companies pivot or close, consumers understandably wonder whether the entire model is unstable.
But broad conclusions can be misleading.
Large, nationally scaled models operate very differently from locally structured, valuation-driven programs guided by licensed professionals. When one company changes course, it does not invalidate an entire strategy—it simply highlights that structure and oversight matter.
What a Legally-Sound, Attorney-Reviewed Lease to Own Home Program Looks Like
A properly structured lease to own home program should never feel like a handshake agreement or a rushed transaction.
It should include:
- Clear, attorney-reviewed contracts
- Licensed broker oversight
- Independent home inspections
- Transparent valuation analysis
- Defined equity structure
- Monthly payments that are lower than a mortgage or fair market rent—not inflated
- A pathway aligned with future homeownership goals
At Burson Home Advisors, our available inventory is as extensive as the open market—limited only to homes that will sail through a licensed home inspection. Families are not choosing from a small corporate portfolio; they’re choosing from the same homes available to traditional buyers.
And instead of guesswork, each home is evaluated through a fiduciary lens before a client ever signs.
That structure changes everything.
When Lease to Own Is Smart
Lease to own can be a financially-sound strategy in specific life seasons.
It often makes sense for:
- Families relocating or selling their current home
- Self-employed professionals with strong income but unseasoned tax returns
- Buyers navigating divorce, loss, or health transitions
- Families told “no” by a lender who, upon deeper review, may still qualify
- Buyers who want their monthly payments aligned with a future ownership plan
Life doesn’t always move on a traditional mortgage timeline. When thoughtfully structured, lease to own home programs allows families to step into stability while working toward long-term homeownership.
When Lease to Own Is Not the Right Fit
Lease to own is not a universal solution.
It may not be necessary for buyers who can qualify with a lender today under favorable terms. It may not be appropriate for those who simply want short-term rental housing without a future ownership goal.
These programs are designed for families who intend to build toward homeownership—not to avoid it.
Clear goals and transparent disclosure protects families from making the wrong choice.
So… Is Lease to Own a Scam?
Poorly structured agreements can create negative outcomes.
But legally-sound, fiduciary-guided programs are proving to be a financially-sound solution—especially in today’s affordability climate.
Burson Home Advisors has helped more than 120 families using structured lease to own strategies to move forward when traditional pathways felt uncertain. Some ultimately transitioned into mortgages sooner than expected. Others benefited from equity-building flexibility while stabilizing their finances.
The key difference is not the label “lease to own.”
The difference is structure, transparency, and guidance.
In a market where over 16% of contracts are falling apart and affordability remains a national concern, families deserve more than headlines or internet folklore. They deserve clear information, thoughtful oversight, and strategies designed for real life.
Lease to own—when built on attorney-reviewed contracts, transparency, and licensed oversight—is a financially-sound housing strategy.
For many families navigating today’s affordability challenges, it is not a workaround. It is a solution.
Learn more about Burson Home Advisors’ lease to own program in this press release.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lease to Own Homes
Is lease to own a scam?
Lease to own is not a scam. However, poorly structured agreements without clear contracts, inspection standards, or professional oversight can create negative outcomes. A legally-sound, attorney-reviewed lease to own structure guided by licensed professionals is designed to provide transparency and alignment toward future homeownership.
Is lease to own a good idea in today’s housing market?
Lease to own can be a smart strategy in markets like where affordability, rising rents, and mortgage qualification challenges impact buyers. It is often beneficial for families who intend to purchase but need additional time, flexibility, or financial positioning before securing a traditional mortgage.
What happened to Divvy Homes?
Divvy Homes ceased operations. The company was widely known for offering lease to own programs in multiple markets before shutting down.
Is Dream America still buying homes?
According to its CEO, Dream America no longer purchases homes. The company previously operated in the lease to own space but has since shifted away from acquiring new properties.
Does Home Partners of America still offer lease to own homes?
Home Partners of America purchased thousands of homes across the country for families to transition into homeownership, and ultimately closed their doors.
What credit score is needed for a lease to own home?
Credit requirements vary by program. Some lease to own programs are flexible with credit when income, employment stability, and financial capacity are verified. Each program has its own underwriting standards.
Do you build equity in a lease to own home program?
In structured equity-building lease to own home programs, a portion of the agreement may allow participants to benefit from appreciation or predefined pricing structures. Terms vary depending on the program, and contracts should clearly outline how equity is calculated.
Is lease to own better than renting?
Traditional renting provides temporary housing. The monthly payment builds equity for the landlord—not the resident.
Lease to own programs are structured differently. While rent remains a housing expense, certain programs include defined equity or appreciation components that are separate from rent and outlined in the agreement. Additionally, the resident secures the exclusive right to purchase the home under clearly defined contractual terms.
The key distinction is alignment toward ownership rather than indefinite tenancy.
Can lease to own help if I was denied by a lender?
Some families who are initially denied by a lender may later qualify after deeper review, improved documentation, or financial adjustments. In other cases, a structured lease to own pathway may provide time and positioning before pursuing traditional financing again.
Is lease to own available nationwide?
Lease to own availability varies by provider and market. While some programs operate only within specific states, others are structured to function nationwide through local licensed real estate partnerships.
Burson Home Advisors offers its in-house lease to own program nationwide, working in collaboration with licensed agents in each market to ensure compliance with local real estate laws and contract requirements. Availability depends on property eligibility and program underwriting standards.