Renting feels like paying forever. Buying outright feels out of reach. Rent to own sits right in the middle — and for a lot of people, it’s the path that actually works.
But “rent to own” gets used loosely. Depending on who’s offering it, the structure can look completely different. This post breaks down exactly how rent to own mobile homes work, what you’ll typically pay, what to watch out for, and how Regal Communities structures our programs so you know what you’re getting before you apply.
What Does "Rent to Own" Actually Mean for a Mobile Home?
Rent to own is an arrangement where you live in a home and make monthly payments. Unlike a standard rental, those payments work toward you owning the home outright. No traditional mortgage required, no bank approval needed to get started.
The appeal is straightforward: you get to live in your own home, build toward ownership, and skip the conventional lending process that a lot of people can’t clear right away.
At Regal Communities, we offer two distinct paths to ownership. They’re different programs with different structures — and knowing which one fits your situation matters.
Program 1: Rent-to-Own (Homes Under $30,000)
Our Rent-to-Own program is built for used homes priced under $30,000. Here’s how it works:
Down payment: 10–20% depending on the home price
Interest rate: 0% — no interest, ever
How payments work: The remaining balance is split into manageable monthly installments added to your lot rent
No bank approval required
Credit score: 550+
Title: Stays with Regal Communities until the full balance is paid
You put a partial down payment down, and the rest gets divided into affordable monthly payments on top of your lot rent. You’re paying exactly what the home costs — nothing more. Once the balance hits zero, the home is fully yours.
This is true rent-to-own: you’re not renting with a hope of someday owning. You’re buying, on a payment plan, at zero interest.
Program 2: Rent Credit (New Homes Over $30,000)
Our Rent Credit program works differently — and it moves faster. It’s designed for brand-new manufactured homes and gets you to the title in 12 months.
Down payment: $1,000 minimum
Monthly credit: $400–$500 of your rent goes toward your down payment every month
Income requirement: Combined household income of 3x the rent amount
Credit score: 550+
Term: 12 months of on-time payments
Title: Transfers to you after 12 months, once you qualify for a loan
Available on: New homes over $30,000
Think of it as a 12-month runway. You move in with just $1,000 down, build up your down payment through your monthly payments, and after a year of on-time payments you qualify for a home loan and receive your title. No bank needed to get started — just a steady income and a commitment to the 12-month term.
Rent-to-Own vs. Rent Credit: Which One Is Right for You?
| Rent-to-Own | Rent Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Home type | Used homes | New homes |
| Price range | Under $30,000 | Over $30,000 |
| Down payment | 10–20% | $1,000 |
| Interest | 0% | N/A (credit toward purchase) |
| Timeline to title | Pay off balance | 12 months |
| Credit score | 550+ | 550+ |
| Bank required? | No | No (to start) |
If you want a new home and can handle a 12-month structured program, Rent Credit gets you there faster. If you want lower monthly payments and a used home with zero interest, Rent-to-Own is your path.
Who Are These Programs a Good Fit For?
Both programs tend to work well for people who:
- Have steady income but haven’t saved a large down payment
- Have had credit challenges in the past and aren’t ready for a conventional mortgage
- Want the stability of homeownership without waiting years to save up
- Want to stop paying rent toward nothing
A 550+ credit score is required for both. Beyond that, the main qualification is income — you’ll need combined household income of at least 3x the rent amount for Rent Credit, and stable enough income to cover your installment payments for Rent-to-Own.
What to Watch Out For in Any Rent to Own Agreement
Not all rent to own programs are created equal. Before you sign anything with any company, make sure you understand:
Who holds the title — and when it transfers. You should know the exact conditions under which you receive the title. At Regal, Rent-to-Own title transfers when the balance is fully paid. Rent Credit title transfers after 12 months of on-time payments and loan qualification.
What the interest rate actually is. Some rent to own arrangements disguise financing costs in the payment structure. Our Rent-to-Own program charges 0% interest — you pay the home price and nothing more.
What happens if you miss a payment. Ask directly before you sign. Missed payments can sometimes forfeit credits you’ve built up. Know the terms before you’re in that situation.
Who’s responsible for repairs. In a standard rental, that’s the landlord. In both of our ownership programs, it’s you — because you’re on the path to owning the home. Make sure you’re prepared for that before you commit.
How to Apply
We operate 25 manufactured home communities across Georgia, Missouri, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. Both programs are available at select communities depending on what homes are currently available.
To get started:
- Browse available homes and filter by program type on our website
- Submit an application through our online portal
- We’ll review your application and reach out within a few business days
Find a Rent-to-Own Home → Find a Rent Credit Home → Apply Now . U
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rent to own the same as renting a mobile home?
No. In a standard rental, you pay month to month and build no equity. In our programs, you're working toward a title — either through our Rent Credit program (12 months to ownership on new homes) or Rent-to-Own (0% interest installments on used homes).
Do I need good credit to qualify?
Both programs require a 550+ credit score. We're not looking for perfection — we're looking for stability. If you're close to 550 and working on it, reach out and talk to your local community manager.
What's the difference between rent to own and lease to own?
People use these terms interchangeably, but at Regal they describe different things. Our Rent-to-Own is a 0% interest installment program on used homes under $30,000. Our Rent Credit program (sometimes called lease-to-own elsewhere) is a 12-month path to ownership on new homes over $30,000. Make sure you understand which program you're looking at before you apply.
Can I back out of the agreement?
Yes, though you'd generally lose the down payment made and any credits accumulated. Read your agreement carefully and ask your community manager to walk you through the exit terms before signing.
What states do you have homes available in?
We operate in Georgia, Missouri, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. Availability varies by community. Use our home search to find what's currently available near you.
Regal Communities operates 25 manufactured home communities across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. We offer three housing programs: Rent Credit for new homes, Rent-to-Own for used homes, and outright purchase. For questions about eligibility or availability, contact your local community manager or reach out through our website.