Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/JamesMLacko

This study uses logit and multinomial logit models and data from a nationwide random sample of rent-to-own (RTO) customers to investigate financial, demographic, regulatory, and other factors associated with consumer use of RTO transactions and the purchase of RTO merchandise. The analysis recognizes that RTO transactions can be used for either the purchase of merchandise or a temporary rental and models the determinants of use and purchase separately for each group of customers. The study concludes that income, access to credit, education, and race are significant determinants of whether consumers use RTO transactions with the intent to purchase. The study also finds some indication that state RTO laws may affect use and purchase, although this result is less robust. The determinants differ for consumers entering RTO transactions intending to purchase and intending a temporary rental, suggesting the industry serves two separate and distinct markets. The policy implications are discussed.

The authors examine the characteristics and experiences of rent-to-own customers using a nationwide survey of 532 customers and 11,575 non-customers. The authors find that most customers have low incomes and education levels, but most have a motor vehicle and some type of credit card or bank account; most customers use RTO transactions to purchase merchandise, not merely as short-term rentals; and most customers are satisfied with the transactions and are treated well if they are late making a payment, though some experience abusive collection practices. The authors discuss the implications of the findings for public policy.

This report presents the results of a nationwide survey of rent-to-own customers. The survey found that most rent-to-own merchandise is ultimately purchased by the customer, most customers are satisfied with their rent-to-own transactions, and most customers are treated well if they are late making a payment, although some customers are subject to possibly abusive collection practices. The report recommends that the total cost of purchasing merchandise through a rent-to-own transaction be disclosed on product labels that the consumer can see while shopping, in addition to disclosures in rental agreements and advertisements.

Return to list of authors