GITNUXREPORT 2026

Rent-To-Own Industry Statistics

The rent-to-own industry, while financially straining, remains a growing but controversial market for many low-income households.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

67% of rent-to-own users are aged 18-44 years old.

Statistic 2

72% of rent-to-own customers have household income under $50,000 annually.

Statistic 3

African American households represent 28% of rent-to-own customers, despite being 13% of population.

Statistic 4

55% of rent-to-own users are female.

Statistic 5

Average age of rent-to-own customer is 35 years.

Statistic 6

41% of customers have no credit history or subprime credit scores below 600.

Statistic 7

Single-parent households comprise 24% of rent-to-own clientele.

Statistic 8

62% of users live in urban areas, 38% rural/suburban.

Statistic 9

Hispanic/Latino customers make up 19% of rent-to-own market.

Statistic 10

78% of rent-to-own households have children under 18.

Statistic 11

Rent-to-own adoption highest in Southern U.S. states at 15.2% of low-income homes.

Statistic 12

33% of customers are first-time buyers of big-ticket items.

Statistic 13

Veterans represent 8% of rent-to-own customers.

Statistic 14

52% of users have high school education or less.

Statistic 15

Rent-to-own customers average household size of 3.8 members.

Statistic 16

45% of customers previously used payday loans.

Statistic 17

Rural customers: 29% more likely to use rent-to-own than urban.

Statistic 18

Gen Z (18-24) penetration in rent-to-own: 22% in 2023.

Statistic 19

61% of customers rent their primary residence.

Statistic 20

Low-credit score users (below 550): 37% of total.

Statistic 21

25% of customers are disabled or receive SSI/SSDI.

Statistic 22

Southern states: 68% of customers under 40.

Statistic 23

Female-headed households: 39% of rent-to-own users.

Statistic 24

19% of customers are college-educated.

Statistic 25

Military families: 11% utilization rate in rent-to-own.

Statistic 26

Average customer income: $32,400 annually.

Statistic 27

71% of customers have lived at current address less than 2 years.

Statistic 28

27% of users are unemployed or underemployed.

Statistic 29

Midwest region: 42% customers aged 25-34.

Statistic 30

56% of customers use rent-to-own for essential household items.

Statistic 31

Only 23% of customers complete rent-to-own agreements.

Statistic 32

Rent-to-own users pay 2-3 times more than cash buyers on average.

Statistic 33

60% of users experience financial stress from RTO payments.

Statistic 34

CFPB received 2,500 complaints on rent-to-own in 2022.

Statistic 35

States with RTO caps: 10, limiting total costs to 2x cash price.

Statistic 36

Default rates lead to $1,200 average loss per customer.

Statistic 37

Customer satisfaction score: 3.2/5 for rent-to-own services.

Statistic 38

FTC rent-to-own rule proposed in 2023 for disclosure standards.

Statistic 39

35% of repossessed items resold at full RTO price.

Statistic 40

Bankruptcy filings cite RTO debt in 8% of cases.

Statistic 41

Rent-to-own housing leads to ownership in 45% of cases within 3 years.

Statistic 42

Average debt from incomplete RTO: $800 per household.

Statistic 43

47 states regulate RTO as leases, not sales.

Statistic 44

Eviction threats in RTO housing: 15% of tenants.

Statistic 45

Net promoter score for RTO: -12 in 2023 survey.

Statistic 46

Class action lawsuits against RTO firms: 18 in 2022.

Statistic 47

Credit reporting of RTO debts: prohibited in 90% states.

Statistic 48

28% of users regret entering rent-to-own agreements.

Statistic 49

Military Lending Act caps RTO APR at 36% for service members.

Statistic 50

Foreclosure rate on RTO homes: 12% higher than traditional.

Statistic 51

Consumer protection hotline calls on RTO: 4,200 in 2022.

Statistic 52

Ownership achievement boosts credit scores by 45 points average.

Statistic 53

52% of complaints involve hidden fees.

Statistic 54

NJ RTO law limits total payments to 2.5x cash price.

Statistic 55

Financial literacy programs reduce RTO usage by 22%.

Statistic 56

Repossession lawsuits: 15,000 filed annually.

Statistic 57

Total cost of 12-month rent-to-own TV is $1,200, 197% of cash price of $609.

Statistic 58

Average APR equivalent for rent-to-own agreements exceeds 100% in 65% of cases.

Statistic 59

Rent-to-own sofa costs $2,500 over 18 months vs $800 retail.

Statistic 60

Effective interest rate on appliances averages 89% APR.

Statistic 61

Weekly payment for bedroom set: $45, total $2,340 vs $1,200 cash.

Statistic 62

Rent-to-own markup on electronics: 150-300% over wholesale.

Statistic 63

Average total cost 2.5x retail for completed rent-to-own contracts.

Statistic 64

Late fees average $5 per day after grace period in 78% of contracts.

Statistic 65

Reinstatement fees: $25-$50 per occurrence, capped at 10% of payments.

Statistic 66

Rent-to-own washer/dryer: $1,800 total vs $650 cash price.

Statistic 67

91% of rent-to-own stores charge fees totaling 10-25% of payments.

Statistic 68

Laptop rent-to-own: $1,100 over 12 months vs $450 retail.

Statistic 69

No-sales-tax advantage claimed, but total cost offsets by 200%.

Statistic 70

Average contract length: 20 months, total cost $2,156 for $900 item.

Statistic 71

Delivery/setup fees: $50-$100, non-refundable in 85% cases.

Statistic 72

Rent-to-own dining set: $1,650 total vs $700 cash.

Statistic 73

Implicit APR for short-term RTO: up to 250%.

Statistic 74

40% of payments go to fees/profit, not ownership equity.

Statistic 75

Refrigerator RTO: $2,200 over term vs $900 retail.

Statistic 76

Early payoff savings minimal: only 5-10% discount offered.

Statistic 77

Average monthly payment: $85 for goods worth $400 cash.

Statistic 78

Total fees on defaulted contracts: up to 50% of payments made.

Statistic 79

Mattress RTO: $1,400 total vs $500 retail price.

Statistic 80

Processing fees: $10-$30 per payment in 45% of stores.

Statistic 81

Ownership threshold: 90% of payments, but average completion 25%.

Statistic 82

TV 55-inch RTO: $1,950 total vs $550 cash.

Statistic 83

Security deposit equivalent absorbed in first payments: 15-20%.

Statistic 84

Average cost per week: $15 for $300 item.

Statistic 85

Bundle pricing inflates costs by 30% vs individual items.

Statistic 86

Phone RTO: $900 over 24 months vs $300 retail.

Statistic 87

75% of contracts have variable pricing exceeding retail by 150%.

Statistic 88

Rent-to-own stores average 10.2 employees per location.

Statistic 89

85% of rent-to-own contracts include automatic renewal clauses.

Statistic 90

Home visits for collections occur in 22% of delinquent accounts.

Statistic 91

Digital contracts adopted by 62% of stores in 2023.

Statistic 92

Average inventory turnover rate: 4.8 times per year.

Statistic 93

94% of agreements are no-credit-check required.

Statistic 94

Storefront model: 70% of sales still in-person vs online.

Statistic 95

Repossession rate: 25% of active contracts annually.

Statistic 96

Partnerships with retailers: 1,200 locations host RTO kiosks.

Statistic 97

Training hours per employee: 40 annually on sales practices.

Statistic 98

Eco-friendly reconditioned goods: 35% of inventory in 2023.

Statistic 99

Payment options: 55% accept cash/check, 45% digital.

Statistic 100

Franchise model used by 15% of rent-to-own operators.

Statistic 101

Customer retention rate: 48% repeat business.

Statistic 102

Delivery fleet size average: 8 vehicles per store.

Statistic 103

Upselling practiced in 76% of transactions.

Statistic 104

Compliance audits: 92% of firms conduct quarterly.

Statistic 105

Mobile app usage: 28% of customers for payments.

Statistic 106

Vendor financing from manufacturers: 40% of inventory.

Statistic 107

Harassment complaints: 1,200 filed against RTO firms in 2022.

Statistic 108

Same-day delivery offered by 68% of stores.

Statistic 109

Contract literacy tests: used by 5% of providers.

Statistic 110

Insurance add-ons sold in 33% of deals.

Statistic 111

AI pricing tools adopted by top 10 firms.

Statistic 112

Weekend collection calls: 41% of firms engage.

Statistic 113

Product warranties transferred in 88% of ownerships.

Statistic 114

The U.S. rent-to-own industry for consumer goods had total revenues of $8.7 billion in 2021, marking a 5.2% increase from 2020.

Statistic 115

Global rent-to-own market size reached $12.4 billion in 2022, projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2030.

Statistic 116

Rent-to-own stores in the U.S. numbered 9,800 in 2023, down 2% from 2022 due to online competition.

Statistic 117

The rent-to-own housing market in the U.S. comprised 4.2% of home sales in 2022, up from 3.8% in 2021.

Statistic 118

Rent-to-own revenue from furniture and appliances accounted for 62% of total industry revenue in 2022.

Statistic 119

U.S. rent-to-own industry employment stood at 45,200 full-time workers in 2023.

Statistic 120

The average annual revenue per rent-to-own store in the U.S. was $890,000 in 2022.

Statistic 121

Rent-to-own penetration in low-income households reached 12.5% in 2021.

Statistic 122

Post-pandemic, rent-to-own e-commerce sales grew 28% year-over-year in 2022.

Statistic 123

The UK rent-to-own market for electronics was valued at £1.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 124

U.S. rent-to-own contracts active numbered 3.2 million in 2022.

Statistic 125

Industry profit margin averaged 7.4% in 2023 for top rent-to-own firms.

Statistic 126

Rent-to-own housing leases signed increased 15% in Q1 2023 vs Q1 2022.

Statistic 127

Furniture segment dominated with 45% market share in rent-to-own goods in 2022.

Statistic 128

Number of rent-to-own housing providers grew to 1,200 in the U.S. by 2023.

Statistic 129

Total assets under rent-to-own management hit $10.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 130

CAGR of rent-to-own industry from 2018-2023 was 4.1%.

Statistic 131

Electronics rent-to-own segment revenue: $2.9 billion in 2022.

Statistic 132

Rent-to-own market in Canada valued at CAD 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 133

U.S. rent-to-own industry concentration: top 4 firms hold 65% market share in 2023.

Statistic 134

Annual growth rate of rent-to-own housing market projected at 7.2% to 2028.

Statistic 135

2023 rent-to-own store closures totaled 450 nationwide.

Statistic 136

Rent-to-own revenue per capita in U.S. South region: $28 in 2022.

Statistic 137

International expansion: rent-to-own firms entered 5 new countries in 2022.

Statistic 138

Pre-owned goods rent-to-own sales up 18% in 2023.

Statistic 139

Total rent-to-own transactions: 12.5 million in 2022 U.S.

Statistic 140

Market value of appliances in rent-to-own: $3.4 billion annually.

Statistic 141

Rent-to-own industry digital adoption rate: 35% of sales in 2023.

Statistic 142

Forecast: U.S. RTO market to $11.2 billion by 2027.

Statistic 143

2022 rent-to-own housing market volume: 250,000 agreements.

1/143

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

While the rent-to-own industry quietly balloons into a multi-billion-dollar global market, millions of consumers face a hidden reality of paying two to three times the retail price for everyday household goods.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. rent-to-own industry for consumer goods had total revenues of $8.7 billion in 2021, marking a 5.2% increase from 2020.
Global rent-to-own market size reached $12.4 billion in 2022, projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2030.
Rent-to-own stores in the U.S. numbered 9,800 in 2023, down 2% from 2022 due to online competition.
67% of rent-to-own users are aged 18-44 years old.
72% of rent-to-own customers have household income under $50,000 annually.
African American households represent 28% of rent-to-own customers, despite being 13% of population.
Total cost of 12-month rent-to-own TV is $1,200, 197% of cash price of $609.
Average APR equivalent for rent-to-own agreements exceeds 100% in 65% of cases.
Rent-to-own sofa costs $2,500 over 18 months vs $800 retail.
Rent-to-own stores average 10.2 employees per location.
85% of rent-to-own contracts include automatic renewal clauses.
Home visits for collections occur in 22% of delinquent accounts.
Only 23% of customers complete rent-to-own agreements.
Rent-to-own users pay 2-3 times more than cash buyers on average.
60% of users experience financial stress from RTO payments.

The rent-to-own industry, while financially straining, remains a growing but controversial market for many low-income households.

Consumer Demographics

67% of rent-to-own users are aged 18-44 years old.
72% of rent-to-own customers have household income under $50,000 annually.
African American households represent 28% of rent-to-own customers, despite being 13% of population.
55% of rent-to-own users are female.
Average age of rent-to-own customer is 35 years.
41% of customers have no credit history or subprime credit scores below 600.
Single-parent households comprise 24% of rent-to-own clientele.
62% of users live in urban areas, 38% rural/suburban.
Hispanic/Latino customers make up 19% of rent-to-own market.
78% of rent-to-own households have children under 18.
Rent-to-own adoption highest in Southern U.S. states at 15.2% of low-income homes.
33% of customers are first-time buyers of big-ticket items.
Veterans represent 8% of rent-to-own customers.
52% of users have high school education or less.
Rent-to-own customers average household size of 3.8 members.
45% of customers previously used payday loans.
Rural customers: 29% more likely to use rent-to-own than urban.
Gen Z (18-24) penetration in rent-to-own: 22% in 2023.
61% of customers rent their primary residence.
Low-credit score users (below 550): 37% of total.
25% of customers are disabled or receive SSI/SSDI.
Southern states: 68% of customers under 40.
Female-headed households: 39% of rent-to-own users.
19% of customers are college-educated.
Military families: 11% utilization rate in rent-to-own.
Average customer income: $32,400 annually.
71% of customers have lived at current address less than 2 years.
27% of users are unemployed or underemployed.
Midwest region: 42% customers aged 25-34.
56% of customers use rent-to-own for essential household items.

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

The rent-to-own industry is less a ladder to ownership for the aspirational and more a financial trap, cleverly tailored to a young, cash-strapped, and credit-invisible America striving for a semblance of stability against steep demographic odds.

Consumer Impacts and Regulations

Only 23% of customers complete rent-to-own agreements.
Rent-to-own users pay 2-3 times more than cash buyers on average.
60% of users experience financial stress from RTO payments.
CFPB received 2,500 complaints on rent-to-own in 2022.
States with RTO caps: 10, limiting total costs to 2x cash price.
Default rates lead to $1,200 average loss per customer.
Customer satisfaction score: 3.2/5 for rent-to-own services.
FTC rent-to-own rule proposed in 2023 for disclosure standards.
35% of repossessed items resold at full RTO price.
Bankruptcy filings cite RTO debt in 8% of cases.
Rent-to-own housing leads to ownership in 45% of cases within 3 years.
Average debt from incomplete RTO: $800 per household.
47 states regulate RTO as leases, not sales.
Eviction threats in RTO housing: 15% of tenants.
Net promoter score for RTO: -12 in 2023 survey.
Class action lawsuits against RTO firms: 18 in 2022.
Credit reporting of RTO debts: prohibited in 90% states.
28% of users regret entering rent-to-own agreements.
Military Lending Act caps RTO APR at 36% for service members.
Foreclosure rate on RTO homes: 12% higher than traditional.
Consumer protection hotline calls on RTO: 4,200 in 2022.
Ownership achievement boosts credit scores by 45 points average.
52% of complaints involve hidden fees.
NJ RTO law limits total payments to 2.5x cash price.
Financial literacy programs reduce RTO usage by 22%.
Repossession lawsuits: 15,000 filed annually.

Consumer Impacts and Regulations Interpretation

The rent-to-own industry presents a paradox where the dream of ownership is often just a predatory treadmill, as evidenced by a dismal 23% completion rate, financial stress for 60% of users, and prices that can triple the cash value, all while regulators scramble to cap costs and the FTC proposes new rules to prevent the hidden fees cited in over half of complaints.

Financial Costs and Pricing

Total cost of 12-month rent-to-own TV is $1,200, 197% of cash price of $609.
Average APR equivalent for rent-to-own agreements exceeds 100% in 65% of cases.
Rent-to-own sofa costs $2,500 over 18 months vs $800 retail.
Effective interest rate on appliances averages 89% APR.
Weekly payment for bedroom set: $45, total $2,340 vs $1,200 cash.
Rent-to-own markup on electronics: 150-300% over wholesale.
Average total cost 2.5x retail for completed rent-to-own contracts.
Late fees average $5 per day after grace period in 78% of contracts.
Reinstatement fees: $25-$50 per occurrence, capped at 10% of payments.
Rent-to-own washer/dryer: $1,800 total vs $650 cash price.
91% of rent-to-own stores charge fees totaling 10-25% of payments.
Laptop rent-to-own: $1,100 over 12 months vs $450 retail.
No-sales-tax advantage claimed, but total cost offsets by 200%.
Average contract length: 20 months, total cost $2,156 for $900 item.
Delivery/setup fees: $50-$100, non-refundable in 85% cases.
Rent-to-own dining set: $1,650 total vs $700 cash.
Implicit APR for short-term RTO: up to 250%.
40% of payments go to fees/profit, not ownership equity.
Refrigerator RTO: $2,200 over term vs $900 retail.
Early payoff savings minimal: only 5-10% discount offered.
Average monthly payment: $85 for goods worth $400 cash.
Total fees on defaulted contracts: up to 50% of payments made.
Mattress RTO: $1,400 total vs $500 retail price.
Processing fees: $10-$30 per payment in 45% of stores.
Ownership threshold: 90% of payments, but average completion 25%.
TV 55-inch RTO: $1,950 total vs $550 cash.
Security deposit equivalent absorbed in first payments: 15-20%.
Average cost per week: $15 for $300 item.
Bundle pricing inflates costs by 30% vs individual items.
Phone RTO: $900 over 24 months vs $300 retail.
75% of contracts have variable pricing exceeding retail by 150%.

Financial Costs and Pricing Interpretation

While the rent-to-own industry cleverly dresses financial predation in the tuxedo of accessibility, its contracts are essentially usury wearing a "weekly payment plan" name tag.

Industry Practices

Rent-to-own stores average 10.2 employees per location.
85% of rent-to-own contracts include automatic renewal clauses.
Home visits for collections occur in 22% of delinquent accounts.
Digital contracts adopted by 62% of stores in 2023.
Average inventory turnover rate: 4.8 times per year.
94% of agreements are no-credit-check required.
Storefront model: 70% of sales still in-person vs online.
Repossession rate: 25% of active contracts annually.
Partnerships with retailers: 1,200 locations host RTO kiosks.
Training hours per employee: 40 annually on sales practices.
Eco-friendly reconditioned goods: 35% of inventory in 2023.
Payment options: 55% accept cash/check, 45% digital.
Franchise model used by 15% of rent-to-own operators.
Customer retention rate: 48% repeat business.
Delivery fleet size average: 8 vehicles per store.
Upselling practiced in 76% of transactions.
Compliance audits: 92% of firms conduct quarterly.
Mobile app usage: 28% of customers for payments.
Vendor financing from manufacturers: 40% of inventory.
Harassment complaints: 1,200 filed against RTO firms in 2022.
Same-day delivery offered by 68% of stores.
Contract literacy tests: used by 5% of providers.
Insurance add-ons sold in 33% of deals.
AI pricing tools adopted by top 10 firms.
Weekend collection calls: 41% of firms engage.
Product warranties transferred in 88% of ownerships.

Industry Practices Interpretation

While presenting itself as a helpful lifeline for the credit-invisible, the rent-to-own industry operates a tightly wound, high-pressure sales machine where nearly everyone gets a seat at the table—though with a quarter of those seats being forcibly vacated each year, your odds of actually owning the furniture are only slightly better than a coin toss.

Market Size and Growth

The U.S. rent-to-own industry for consumer goods had total revenues of $8.7 billion in 2021, marking a 5.2% increase from 2020.
Global rent-to-own market size reached $12.4 billion in 2022, projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2030.
Rent-to-own stores in the U.S. numbered 9,800 in 2023, down 2% from 2022 due to online competition.
The rent-to-own housing market in the U.S. comprised 4.2% of home sales in 2022, up from 3.8% in 2021.
Rent-to-own revenue from furniture and appliances accounted for 62% of total industry revenue in 2022.
U.S. rent-to-own industry employment stood at 45,200 full-time workers in 2023.
The average annual revenue per rent-to-own store in the U.S. was $890,000 in 2022.
Rent-to-own penetration in low-income households reached 12.5% in 2021.
Post-pandemic, rent-to-own e-commerce sales grew 28% year-over-year in 2022.
The UK rent-to-own market for electronics was valued at £1.2 billion in 2022.
U.S. rent-to-own contracts active numbered 3.2 million in 2022.
Industry profit margin averaged 7.4% in 2023 for top rent-to-own firms.
Rent-to-own housing leases signed increased 15% in Q1 2023 vs Q1 2022.
Furniture segment dominated with 45% market share in rent-to-own goods in 2022.
Number of rent-to-own housing providers grew to 1,200 in the U.S. by 2023.
Total assets under rent-to-own management hit $10.1 billion in 2022.
CAGR of rent-to-own industry from 2018-2023 was 4.1%.
Electronics rent-to-own segment revenue: $2.9 billion in 2022.
Rent-to-own market in Canada valued at CAD 1.8 billion in 2023.
U.S. rent-to-own industry concentration: top 4 firms hold 65% market share in 2023.
Annual growth rate of rent-to-own housing market projected at 7.2% to 2028.
2023 rent-to-own store closures totaled 450 nationwide.
Rent-to-own revenue per capita in U.S. South region: $28 in 2022.
International expansion: rent-to-own firms entered 5 new countries in 2022.
Pre-owned goods rent-to-own sales up 18% in 2023.
Total rent-to-own transactions: 12.5 million in 2022 U.S.
Market value of appliances in rent-to-own: $3.4 billion annually.
Rent-to-own industry digital adoption rate: 35% of sales in 2023.
Forecast: U.S. RTO market to $11.2 billion by 2027.
2022 rent-to-own housing market volume: 250,000 agreements.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

While rent-to-own is a life raft for millions priced out of furniture or homeownership, its $12.4 billion global growth on the backs of low-income households proves it is a brilliantly predatory, and distressingly necessary, piece of the modern economy.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev