Let’s be real: adulting is hard. Somewhere between assembling IKEA shelves with missing screws and figuring out what the heck a ‘mid-century modern’ coffee table even is, we all have the same question pop up at least once:

“Should I just rent to own this furniture and call it a day?”

Sometimes yes—and sometimes no. Let’s break it down like your favorite build-it-yourself futon (hopefully without leftover parts).

First, what is rent-to-own furniture?

Rent-to-own (RTO) furniture is kind of like dating your couch before committing to a long-term relationship. You make small weekly or monthly rental payments, and after completing a certain number that couch is yours. No giant upfront cost. Many times, you also have the flexibility to own it earlier for less by taking advantage of an early purchase option, or to return it at any time! Another bonus is that there’s usually a warranty, and maintenance and repairs may be included if anything goes wrong!

On the flip side, you’ll usually end up paying more over the life of that lease than if you just bought that couch outright. But your monthly budget might appreciate the help and flexibility.

When should you rent to own?

1. You moved, need furniture, and don’t have $1000s of dollars to pay up-front

Whether you’ve relocated for a job, school, or a dramatic life reset, sometimes you need furniture fast—but don’t have thousands of dollars you can drop on it up front. RTO lets you outfit a space without dropping your entire savings. Couch today, payment tomorrow.

2. You’re temporary—like, real temporary

If you’re living somewhere for less than a year (hello, interns, traveling nurses, digital nomads), renting to own lets you have real furniture without the stress of reselling it on Facebook Marketplace later. You can often return the items if you move on before paying them off.

3. Your credit score is… under construction

No judgment here—life happens. If you’re in rebuilding mode or have less than perfect credit, rent-to-own can remove this barrier so you can furnish your space.

4. You want to “test drive” your living style

Not sure if you’re a sectional person or more of a loveseat minimalist? Renting to own gives you the option to experiment without the full commitment. If you decide it’s not your vibe, you can usually switch (without losing what you’ve paid in rent) or return it, penalty-free.

And when is it maybe not such a good idea?

1. If you can buy it outright

If you have the cash, it’s really best to just buy it. Depending on how long you do it, rent-to-own can sometimes mean paying double the original price over the lifetime of the lease. That $1000 sofa might cost you $2,000 or more by the time you’re done renting to own it. 

2. You’re looking for high-end furniture

Rent-to-own shops usually stock practical, budget-friendly stuff—but many do have more premium things (as long as you don’t have your sights set on Restoration Hardware). If you’ve got a Pinterest board full of $2,000 armoires, you might not find the exact thing you’re looking for in an RTO catalog.

Pro tips for doing it smart

  • Compare prices. See how much that same item costs at other stores and rent-to-own companies. If the final number you’d be paying shocks you, maybe don’t do it.
  • Understand your payment options. Most RTO stores let you purchase early for less—use that to your advantage!
  • Negotiate. Find out if there are any sales coming up, different payment options, or floor models that have a lower ticket price.
  • Read reviews. Not all RTO companies are created equal. Check out what kinds of experiences other customers have had.
  • Set reminders. If you miss payments, you might lose the furniture and your money. Oof. Some companies offer auto payments to help you avoid this.

The verdict

Rent-to-own is like fast food furniture: convenient, satisfying in the moment, but potentially expensive in the long run. If you’re in a pinch, it might be your best option. Just go in with your eyes wide open and your calculator app ready.