6 Rent-Back Agreement Risks

When you buy a house, you hope for the process to include a fast closing and seamless move-in. Likewise, as a seller, you probably aim for a quick transition into a new residence.

But in real estate, things don’t always go as smoothly. Sometimes, sellers need to continue living in the home for a period of time following the sale. In those situations, buyers and sellers may enter into rent-back agreements. 

If you’re a buyer or a seller entering a rent-back agreement, there are several things you should know about the process, from how it works in general to more specific details. Keep reading for a full breakdown.

What Is the Meaning of a Rent-Back Agreement?

A rent-back agreement is a legally binding arrangement between a home seller and a home buyer that allows the seller to continue residing at the property as a renter for a specified amount of time following a sale.¹ 

These agreements operate very much like a standard rental agreement, just like someone who rents an apartment would sign. A rent-back agreement is when a buyer allows a seller to stay in their home after closing, governed by certain conditions. Rent-back agreements are signed by both parties and describe the various stipulations that each party has agreed to. Among other examples, some of the stipulations covered in a rent-back agreement include:

• Rent amount
• Security deposit amount 
• Move-out date

In other words, when a seller signs a rent-back agreement, they essentially become a tenant and begin renting the house from the new owners, who operate as landlords. Generally, normal rental agreement conditions apply—the sellers pay rent to the new owners, may be subject to security deposits and fees, and must abide by the rules of the agreement.

Likewise, home buyers are obligated to fulfill the duties of a landlord as outlined in the agreement. In addition to collecting rent, they may be responsible for things like maintaining the property and replacing appliances that break.

What Are the Advantages of Rent-Back Agreements?

There are a handful of situations where buyers and sellers might enter into a rent-back agreement. And in the right conditions, rent-back agreements can be a beneficial arrangement for both the buyers and the sellers. 

• Flexibility for Sellers: Sellers who are unable to or uninterested in moving out immediately can benefit from rent-back agreements.² Whether due to unexpected offers, family obligations, or the need to find a new home after selling, a rent-back agreement provides the flexibility to stay in the house for a specified period. This additional time reduces the pressure to find alternative housing quickly and alleviates the stress of last-minute moves.
• Financial Advantage for Buyers: Rent-back agreements present an appealing opportunity for buyers as well. Buyers can earn rental income during the agreement period. This additional income can help offset the costs of homeownership, making the buyer's offer more appealing, particularly in cash-strapped times for new homeowners.
• Smooth Transition for Both Parties: Rent-back agreements facilitate a smoother transition for both sellers and buyers. Sellers can avoid the hassle of finding temporary housing and moving twice, while buyers can have the assurance of a confirmed occupancy date. 
• Attractive Offers for Sellers: Sellers might find rent-back agreements attractive when evaluating offers. Buyers willing to accommodate a rent-back period may present more appealing offers, potentially giving them a competitive advantage in the real estate market.

That said, rent-back agreements may not always be the best option for buyers or sellers. There are several rent-back agreement risks that both parties should be aware of in order to prevent their occurrence. 

3 Rent-Back Agreement Risks for Sellers

For sellers who can’t move out right away, rent-back agreements are the opportunity to put off their move and stay in their house a little longer. But sellers should be aware of the following rent-back agreement risks: 

• #1: You have to pay rent – When you sign a rent-back agreement, you’re agreeing to pay rent in exchange for living in the home you used to own. In most cases, the rent you’d pay to stay in the home is likely to exceed the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. 

• #2: You could face extra costs – Rent-back agreements could come with additional costs that make the arrangement even more expensive for sellers. Sellers may be required to pay security deposits, fees for late rent, additional closing costs, and other charges that are typical of rental agreements. 

• #3: You become a tenant – Staying in your current home as a renter may be helpful until you’re able to move, but some homeowners may bristle at the idea of becoming tenants. As a tenant, you may face restrictions on changing or updating the property. You could also bear responsibility for any property damage that occurs during the rent-back period.

3 Rent-Back Agreement Risks for Buyers 

As a buyer, understanding the potential rent-back agreement risks can help ensure that you’re able to reap the full benefits the situation can pose. 

For buyers, the biggest drawbacks to rent-back agreements are: 

• #1: You become the landlord – As the new property owner, you effectively become the landlord when you sign a rent-back agreement. You will also be responsible for collecting rent, putting together a lease, and collecting a security deposit. This may require brushing up on the legal obligations of landlords in your state or city.

• #2: You must wait to move in – Unless you’re willing to become roommates with your new tenants, you won't be able to move in right away. If you can stay at your current home or find other housing in the meantime, the extra money that rent-back agreements can bring may be worth this inconvenience.

• #3: It can come with complications – There are several complications that can arise when you enter a rent-back agreement. For example, the previous owners may not vacate the property at the end of the agreement, which could put you in the position of having to evict them.

How to Avoid Rent-Back Agreement Risks 

Although rent-back agreements can carry certain risks for buyers and sellers, there are ways to minimize those risks and help ensure that the agreement remains mutually beneficial. Before you sign, here are a few ways to make sure all of your bases are covered.³

#1 Work With a Lawyer

Rent-back agreements are legally binding for both parties, so having your lawyer look over the paperwork is a good idea for buyers and sellers. A lawyer can be useful in ensuring that both parties are protected during the rent-back period. They can also answer other questions, such as “Can a seller back out of a rent-to-own agreement?”

Additionally, working with a lawyer to draw up your rent-back agreement can help both parties come to a fair compromise over various arrangement particulars, including determining who is responsible for:

• Paying insurance
• Maintaining the property
• Paying utilities

#2 Check With Your Lender 

If you’re a buyer who is thinking about entering a rent-back agreement with a seller, it’s important to inform your mortgage lender, if you have one. This is because some lenders may have restrictions regarding when new homeowners must officially possess the property.¹

For example, some mortgage lenders may limit rent-back agreement periods to 60 days or fewer, so be sure to check with your bank before you agree to any rent-back provisions. 

For periods of 30 days or fewer, you may be able to forgo a standard rent-back agreement in favor of what’s known as a Seller in Possession Form. This somewhat simpler document covers all of the important bases of the rent-back agreement, including:

• Duration
• Rent amount 
• Security deposit, and other associated fees

#3 Never Skip the Written Agreement

Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important that both parties review and sign the rent-back agreement. This protects both parties and ensures that the agreement is fair and legally sound.

Additionally, the formal agreement contains all the information regarding the agreement, including:

• Agreement duration – Whether the rent-back period lasts for one month or three months, it should be indicated in the official rent-back agreement. This helps buyers avoid sellers who won’t vacate.

• Rent amount and security deposit details – Buyers and sellers will need to agree upon a fair rental price, which may be charged per day or per month, depending on the length of the agreement. The agreement should also cover the security deposit amount and state whether those funds go directly to the new homeowner or remain in escrow until the end of the agreement.

• Maintenance details – The home in question will need to be taken care of during the rental period. The agreement should state who is responsible for that upkeep. In most cases, sellers will be responsible for maintaining the inside, while buyers generally assume all other responsibilities, such as exterior maintenance.

• Utility details – The rent-back agreement should detail which party is responsible for paying utilities during the rent-back period.

With a formal rent-back agreement in place, both parties are more likely to have a positive experience. 

Access Your Equity With Truehold

If you’re selling your house but aren’t quite ready to leave it behind, consider partnering with Truehold. Truehold’s sale-leaseback makes it easy to access your equity and continue living at home as a renter.

How does it work? It’s simple. We offer a competitive price for your home and give you the option of renting your home as long as you like, provided you pay rent and comply with the lease. We contract a licensed, third-party inspection to determine the value of the home, then we work with you to identify a positive solution. We also cover major home repairs, home insurance, and property tax.

Interested in Truehold’s unique sale-leaseback program? Connect with a Truehold advisor today to learn more about how to set up your residential leaseback agreement. 

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Sources: 

1. Consumer Reports. What to Know About Rent-Back Agreements If You're Buying a Home. https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-home/rent-back-agreements-buying-a-home/ 

2. The Washington Post. A rent-back agreement allows a home seller to buy himself extra time. https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/buying-yourself-some-extra-time/2017/10/12/a702e918-a2c8-11e7-b14f-f41773cd5a14_story.html 

3. Federal Title. Rent-Backs: Perks & PItfalls. https://www.federaltitle.com/rent-back-agreements/