Gives you the right to buy but no obligation. If you walk away, you lose your fees but avoid legal breach.

The process generally involves two distinct legal agreements: a standard lease and an .

Several institutional and local players operate in the Houston metro area: Lease to Own Homes in Houston, TX - Rent Now, Buy Later

You often pay slightly above market rent. A portion of this—known as a "rent credit"—is set aside in an escrow account to grow your future down payment.

Instead of a security deposit, you pay a non-refundable "option fee" (typically 1% to 5% of the home's value) to lock in your exclusive right to buy.

It is critical to distinguish between these two legal structures in Texas: