Rent-to-Own Companies Comparison: 2026

Thinking about rent-to-own? You've probably heard of Divvy, Landis, HomeBridge—and maybe MJ Newell Homes.

How do they compare? Which is right for you?

This guide breaks down the top 4 rent-to-own platforms side-by-side.

Quick Comparison Table

Detailed Comparison

1. MJ Newell Homes

Best for: Florida buyers who want personal, local service.

Strengths:

• ✓ Hyper-local expertise (SW Florida since 2018)
• ✓ 90% approval rate (most lenient)
• ✓ No hidden fees—what you see is what you pay
• ✓ 12-month express option (faster to ownership)
• ✓ 24/7 dedicated local advisor
• ✓ Family-owned (not a hedge fund)
• ✓ Flexible payment plans if hardship occurs

Weaknesses:

• ✗ Florida-only (limited to 4 cities)
• ✗ Smaller inventory than national platforms
• ✗ Less tech-forward (but more human-focused)

Typical Costs:

• Rent: Market rate
• Down payment: $0
• Application fee: $0
• Closing costs: Covered in lease terms
• Rent credit: 12-20% of monthly rent

Customer Experience:

• Average rating: 4.8/5 (Google)
• Most common praise: "Personal support," "No surprises," "Felt like family"
• Typical complaint: "Wish they were in my state"

Who Should Choose MJ?

• Living in Southwest Florida
• Want personal service over tech features
• First-time home buyers
• Those with lower credit (520+)
• Want flexibility (job changes, family situations)

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2. Divvy (National Leader)

Best for: Multi-state access with moderate fees.

Strengths:

• ✓ Available in 45+ states
• ✓ Strong tech platform (app, online tracking)
• ✓ Larger inventory (more homes to choose from)
• ✓ Established (since 2017)
• ✓ 10-20% rent credits

Weaknesses:

• ✗ Hidden fees (closing costs, services)
• ✗ 75% approval rate (stricter than MJ)
• ✗ Higher credit requirement (580 minimum)
• ✗ Less personal service
• ✗ Customer reports "surprise charges" at closing

Typical Costs:

• Rent: Market rate + 5-10% premium
• Down payment: $0
• Application fee: $100-150
• Closing costs: $2,000-$5,000 (NOT transparent upfront)
• Rent credit: 10-20%

Customer Experience:

• Average rating: 4.2/5
• Most common praise: "Easy application," "Good app"
• Common complaint: "Hidden fees at closing," "No personal support"

Who Should Choose Divvy?

• Outside Florida (multi-state coverage)
• Comfortable with tech-first experience
• Have credit score 580+
• Don't need hand-holding

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3. Landis (Niche Player)

Best for: Investors buying their first home (higher down payment).

Strengths:

• ✓ Investor-friendly platform
• ✓ 40-state coverage
• ✓ Clear pricing model
• ✓ Good for credit building

Weaknesses:

• ✗ Requires $0-$5k down payment upfront
• ✗ 70% approval rate
• ✗ 600+ credit score minimum (many rejected)
• ✗ Highest rent-credit cap (15%, not 20%)
• ✗ Fewer customer reviews (less transparent)
• ✗ Limited customer support

Typical Costs:

• Rent: Market rate
• Down payment: $0-$5,000 (not "rent-to-own" if you pay down payment)
• Application fee: $100
• Closing costs: $1,500-$3,000
• Rent credit: 8-15%

Customer Experience:

• Average rating: 3.9/5
• Limited customer reviews
• Positive reviews mention "structured approach"
• Negative reviews: "Required down payment," "Limited flexibility"

Who Should Choose Landis?

• Have some savings ($2-5k)
• Credit score 600+
• Want a structured, less-flexible approach
• Outside Florida/want national presence

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4. HomeBridge (Newest Entrant)

Best for: Those who don't fit traditional financing (but charge for it).

Strengths:

• ✓ 35-state coverage
• ✓ Flexible lease terms (12-36 months)
• ✓ Accept lower credit scores

Weaknesses:

• ✗ Expensive: $0-$10k down payment requested
• ✗ Lowest approval rate (65%)
• ✗ Highest fees in industry
• ✗ Newest platform (less proven)
• ✗ Poorest customer reviews (3.5/5)
• ✗ Reports of bait-and-switch pricing
• ✗ Limited transparency

Typical Costs:

• Rent: Market rate + 10% premium
• Down payment: $3,000-$10,000 upfront
• Application fee: $200-300
• Closing costs: $4,000-$8,000
• Rent credit: 10-20%

Customer Experience:

• Average rating: 3.5/5
• Common complaint: "Expensive," "No transparency," "High fees"
• Few positive reviews

Who Should Choose HomeBridge?

• Have savings and want faster timeline
• Don't mind paying premium prices
• Outside other platforms' service areas

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Head-to-Head: Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Sarah (Bad Credit, No Savings)

Profile: Credit 520, $0 down payment, wants to own in 24 months

| Company | Approval? | Monthly Rent | Down Payment | Credit Rep. | Total Cost | |---|---|---|---|---| | MJ Newell | ✓ YES | $1,200 | $0 | Yes (24/7) | $0 upfront | | Divvy | ✗ NO | — | — | No | N/A | | Landis | ✗ NO | — | — | No | N/A | | HomeBridge | ? Maybe | $1,320 | $5,000 | Minimal | $5,000 upfront |

Winner: MJ Newell (only option)

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Scenario 2: Marcus (Good Credit, Out of State)

Profile: Credit 680, $3k saved, lives in Texas

Winner: Divvy (best balance of service + availability)

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Scenario 3: Jennifer (Building Equity Fast)

Profile: Credit 600, $10k saved, wants maximum rent credit

Winner: MJ Newell or Divvy (depending on location)

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Key Takeaways

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FAQ: Rent-to-Own Companies

Q: Which company is cheapest?
A: MJ Newell (zero hidden fees). Divvy charges application & closing fees. HomeBridge is most expensive.

Q: Which has the fastest timeline?
A: MJ Newell (12-month express option).

Q: Which approves people with lowest credit?
A: MJ Newell (accepts 520+; others require 580-600+).

Q: Can I switch companies mid-lease?
A: Generally no—you're locked into the lease terms.

Q: Which has best tech?
A: Divvy. MJ compensates with personal service.

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Bottom Line

| If You're In SW Florida | MJ Newell Homes | | If You're Out of State | Divvy (or Landis) | | If You Have Low Credit + No Savings | MJ Newell Homes | | If You Want Maximum Transparency | MJ Newell Homes | | If You Want Fastest Ownership | MJ Newell Homes (12-month express) |

Ready to start? Compare more options or apply now.

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Related Reading:

• How Rent-to-Own Works
• Bad Credit Home Buying
• Rent-to-Own vs Traditional Mortgage