Because this is a unique offering, we’re sure you have many questions, and that’s ok because we have the answers. Don’t see your question asked here? Send us a message, and we’ll be sure to answer it.
Rent-to-Own is a simple 4-step path to homeownership for Ontarians who can’t qualify for a conventional mortgage today. JAAG secures your home now while you build credit and savings over the agreed upon term at which time you purchase it at the predetermined purchase price.
The 4 Steps:
Step 1: Pre-Qualify
Step 2: Choose Your Home
Step 3: Live & Build Credit
Step 4: Buy Your Home
Why JAAG is Different
Reality Check
Active participation required: Make payments on time, work with the Credit Team, maintain the property. Your success depends on your commitment.
JAAG’s rent-to-own program secures your home and purchase price today while providing free credit support—you build equity and credit simultaneously for the entire term and then buy at a predetermined price.
The Key Benefits
Your Home is Protected
Your Choice Matters
Comprehensive Support Included
We Win When You Win
Quick Comparison
| Benefit | JAAG | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Support | Included | Often separate (extra cost) |
| Program Alignment | We succeed only if you succeed | No vested interest |
| Closing Costs | JAAG pays | Client pays |
| Flexibility | Early buyout option | Often locked in |
Reality Check
Your success depends on active participation: make payments on time, work with the Credit Team, improve your credit. JAAG provides the team and structure—you provide the commitment.
Clients choose JAAG because they cannot qualify for a conventional mortgage today—due to low credit scores, self-employment income, recent divorce, being new to Canada, or limited work history.
How It Works: Consolidated Monthly Payment
You make a single monthly payment covering:
These credits accumulate throughout your program, building your down payment savings.
Your Numbers Are Predetermined From Day One
Your purchase price is predetermined and will never change. Your monthly payment is locked in and will never increase. You know all costs upfront—protecting you from market fluctuations.
Flexible Purchase Timeline
Homeownership is the goal. Once you qualify for financing, you can buy at any point as JAAG provides predetermined purchase prices for every year within your term. If you can own the home earlier, this is best for everyone and JAAG will not hold you to a locked in term. Also your predetermined purchase price is lower for buying out earlier than the end of the term.
We’ve even decreased buyout prices for earlier purchases—you benefit from your credit and savings improvements.
Dedicated Credit Team Support
Unlike traditional lenders, JAAG provides continuous credit team support throughout your program. They help repair your credit, assist with budgeting, and prepare you for mortgage qualification. About 3 months before your program ends, they connect you with lenders.
The Path to Traditional Mortgage Ownership
JAAG’s goal is simple: get you mortgage-ready. By the end of your program, you’ll have improved credit, saved a down payment, and be ready to qualify for a traditional mortgage. You can then choose any mortgage broker or lender you prefer.
Why This Matters
Without JAAG, you’d wait to qualify while renting elsewhere, building no equity. With JAAG, you move into your future home now, build equity through monthly credits, and predetermine your purchase price against market appreciation.
Yes. You can pre-qualify for rent-to-own if you meet two minimum financial requirements. Our services are designed for people who cannot qualify for a conventional bank mortgage today.
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Combined Household Income | $100,000+ annually |
| Initial Deposit | 3% of approved purchase price |
Example: On a $500K home = $15,000 deposit
Your 3% deposit serves as the offer deposit when JAAG purchases the home. When you are mortgage-ready, this same deposit is credited toward your down payment at closing.
Who This Program Helps
Rent-to-own works best if you have:
Next Step
If you meet these requirements, submit your full application. Our Approval Team reviews your file in 3-5 business days and determines your approved purchase price and if JAAG is able to assist you.
Yes. Even with bad credit, you can qualify for JAAG’s Rent-to-Home services if you meet two requirements: household income over $100,000 and a minimum 3% deposit.
How it works
Your Included Credit Team
JAAG includes a professional credit team at no extra cost—most competitors charge $1,500-$3,000+. This team:
What Makes JAAG Different
| Feature | JAAG | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Team Cost | Included | $1,500-$3,000+ extra |
| Accountability | Built-in, regular follow-up | Often sporadic or none |
| Timeline | Entire term | Limited support |
| Alignment | Our success = your success | Their profit ≠ your success |
Reality check
You must actively participate. The credit team provides strategy and coaching, but you implement the recommendations. Progress depends on your commitment to following their plan.
Need more time?
If credit repair takes longer than expected, the Rent-to-Own term can be extended. You don’t rush into a mortgage you’re not ready for.
Bottom line
Bad credit isn’t a barrier at JAAG—it’s what we’re built to solve. You get professional credit coaching, accountability, and time to improve your credit while building equity in your home.
No. Even if you’ve been through Bankruptcy or Consumer Proposal, you can still qualify for the JAAG Rent to Home Solution. We understand that people have made mistakes in the past. JAAG has a dedicated Credit Team committed to improving your credit and helping you achieve homeownership.
How It Works with Your Credit History
Your Starting Point: Past financial challenges—like bankruptcy or consumer proposal—don’t disqualify you from JAAG’s services. What matters is your commitment to moving forward.
JAAG’s Approach:
Why This Works
Bankruptcy and Consumer Proposal can be successfully recovered from—with time, structured support, and consistent effort. JAAG’s services provides all three. Lenders will look at your recovery trajectory and willingness to rebuild. By the end of your term, you’ll have demonstrated:
Timeline for Recovery
Reality Check: You Must Participate
While the Credit Team is there to guide you, your success depends on your commitment. You must:
The program gives you the structure and support—your effort makes it work.
Yes. JAAG can work with self-employed clients to help them qualify for a mortgage at the end of the Rent to Home term, even if they don’t qualify for a traditional bank mortgage right now. We understand that self-employed individuals often have difficulty qualifying because they may not be able to claim enough income on their tax returns and the banks find self employment riskier than conventional employment.
How JAAG Helps Self-Employed Clients
JAAG’s Rent to Home services are designed to help you prepare for a mortgage over a 3- to 4-year term.
This support is a major benefit compared to other Rent-To-Own providers, which often require you to pay a separate third-party credit repair company.
Your Pre-Qualification Requirements
Even with our support, you must meet:
JAAG vs. Other Rent-To-Own Programs
| Feature | JAAG | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Repair Team | Included in program | Often requires separate paid company |
| Investor Model | Has equity interest; does not wholesale clients to investors | Many wholesale clients to investors, which can lead to higher failure rate |
| Program Flexibility | Offers early buyout and extension options | Often not provided |
| Purchase Price | Predetermined at start of program | Less transparency/flexibility |
The ultimate goal is your homeownership. We only succeed if you do.
Combined Annual Household Income: $100,000+
Initial Deposit: 3%+ of approved home purchase price
Example:
Your 3% deposit serves as the offer deposit when JAAG purchases the home. When you are mortgage-ready, this same deposit is credited toward your down payment at closing.
These are the basic financial requirements to qualify. Everything else—credit improvement, down payment building, and mortgage preparation—happens with your included Credit Team throughout the program.
Rent-to-own builds your credit through an effective process of building or re-building credit history with consistent on-time payments, debt reduction, and professional credit coaching—all while you live in your home.
How JAAG’s Credit Team Helps
Your included Credit Team works with you from day one:
Why 3 Years Works
The 3-year program term gives you time to:
Reality Check
Success requires your active participation. You must follow the Credit Team’s guidance on budgeting, debt repayment, and financial habits. JAAG provides the structure and support—you provide the commitment.
A credit score is a number between typically 400 and 900 that lenders use to assess how reliably you are at holding credit, utilizing credit and pay debts. The higher your score, the better your mortgage prospects and better interest rate you may receive.
How Credit Scores Work
Your score is based on:
| Factor | Weight | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Payment History | ~35%* | Do you pay bills on time? |
| Credit Utilization | ~30%* | How much of your available credit are you using? |
| Credit History Length | ~15%* | How long have you managed credit? |
| Credit Mix | ~10%* | Do you have different types of credit (cards, loans)? |
| New Inquiries | ~10%* | Have you recently applied for new credit? |
Credit Score Ranges
Why It Matters for Rent-to-Own
You don’t need a high credit score to start rent-to-own—but you do need to improve it during your program term to qualify for a mortgage at the end. This is exactly what JAAG’s Credit Team helps you do.
*This is general credit education; consult a credit professional for personalized advice.
Your consolidated monthly payment covers everything: mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and a monthly credit toward your down payment. No extra fees.
What’s in your payment
Your single monthly payment includes:
Example Breakdown
Hypothetical $500K Home
| Component | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | $2,800* |
| Property Taxes | $400* |
| Insurance | $200* |
| Down Payment Credit | $600* |
| Total Payment | ~$4,000* |
*Actual amounts vary by property, rate, and location
Why This Matters
All-Inclusive Approach
| Component | JAAG | Traditional Mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | Yes | Yes |
| Property Taxes | Included | You pay separately |
| Insurance | Included | You pay separately |
| Down Payment Savings | Included | Not applicable |
| Payment Fluctuations? | No, Predetermined for entire term | Yes, Changes at term renewal |
| Credit Support | Included | Costs $1,500-$3,000+ |
No Hidden Fees
Payment Certainty
For 3+ years, you know exactly what you owe—no surprises, no increases, no fluctuations. This allows you to budget confidently and focus on credit repair.
Closing costs are lawyer fees and associated costs required to purchase a home. With JAAG, you pay $0 at the start—JAAG covers all closing costs. At program end, you’re responsible for hiring your own lawyer and paying closing costs. Your deposits and monthly credits are credited at closing and can be applied toward these costs.
How It Works
When JAAG Purchases (Program Start)
When You Purchase (Program End)
Your Credits at Closing
Your initial deposit and all monthly credits are transferred to you at closing on the Statement of Adjustments—just like a down payment credit on any home purchase.
Example ($500K Home):
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial deposit | $15,000* |
| Monthly credits (3 years × $600) | $21,600* |
| Total credit at closing | $36,600* |
*Actual amounts vary by property, rate, and location
These credits help offset your closing costs and down payment at purchase.
Yes, you get to choose your home from the open market. JAAG does not hold inventory—you have complete freedom to select any listed property or private sale in Ontario that fits your approved purchase price.
What You Can Choose
Working with a Realtor
| Scenario | What Happens |
|---|---|
| You have a Realtor | Continue working with your current Realtor |
| You need a Realtor | JAAG introduces you to someone familiar with our process |
| Realtor’s role | Shows homes, negotiates offers, handles paperwork |
When Your Search Starts
Your home search begins after you complete your application and receive final approval. At that point:
Your Approved Price is Your Upper Limit
The home you choose must fit within your specific approved purchase price. This is your ceiling, based on your financial situation and ability to qualify for a mortgage at the program’s end. This protects you from overextending.
Rent-to-Own (or Rent-to-Home with JAAG) is a service that lets you move into your future home now while building the credit and savings to qualify for a traditional mortgage later. You live in the home, make a single monthly payment that includes your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and down payment credits, and work with our credit team to become mortgage-ready—usually within 3-4 years.
Key benefits:
Who it’s for: Clients who want to own a home but can’t qualify for a traditional mortgage today due to credit issues, self-employment income, divorce, being new to Canada, or limited down payment savings.
Yes, absolutely. JAAG Properties is happy to work with your existing realtor, you already know and trust them to put in an offer on the house you want. JAAG is not a real estate brokerage, we rely on licensed realtors to draft offers and manage the purchase process.
How it Works
Does my Realtor get paid?
Yes. Your realtor earns their standard commission paid by the seller of the home. You do not pay them out of pocket.
Comparison: Choosing Your Representation
| Feature | Using Your Own Realtor | Using a JAAG Partner Realtor |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Level | You already know and trust them. | They’re pre-vetted by JAAG—experienced, trusted partners |
| Program Knowledge | JAAG will guide them through our process. | They understand our exact requirements—budget, inspection needs, and offer process—from experience with our program. |
| Compensation | Seller pays commission + JAAG 1% Referral Fee (if they referred you). | Seller pays standard commission — straightforward and simple. |
| Offer Speed | Normal speed. | Can be faster since they understand our purchase criteria from previous deals. |
Reality Check: The “Double Dip” Bonus for Realtors
Realtors who refer you to JAAG are incentivized to prioritize your deal. They earn their standard seller commission plus a 1% referral fee from JAAG, plus future client referrals. This means you get a partner who’s committed to closing your deal.
Regulatory Note:
All Ontario real estate transactions are governed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Every realtor we work with—whether yours or ours—is RECO-licensed and accountable to these professional standards. This protects you throughout the transaction.
When we determine your future purchase price, these factors play a role:
1. Today’s Market Value
The property is purchased at today’s market value or the price set by the seller. This is your starting point.
2. Conservative Appreciation Rate
Based on the area and property type, a conservative annual appreciation rate is determined from historical market data. For example, even if market data suggests 7-10% appreciation, we use 5% as our basis.
Over your program term (typically 2-4 years), this appreciation rate is applied to calculate your future purchase price.
3. Credit Team Verification
Your final purchase price is verified by our Credit Team and mortgage experts to ensure it’s within your expected mortgage approval budget at the program’s end.
Benefits of a Pre-Determined Purchase Price
Your minimum initial deposit is 3% of your approved purchase price. This deposit is used as your offer deposit when JAAG purchases the home, and you’ll build the remaining down payment through monthly credits over your program term.
How Your Deposit Works
| Component | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Deposit | 3% of approved purchase price | Offer deposit for home purchase |
| Example | $500K home = $15,000 | Used when JAAG buys the property |
| Monthly Credits | Built during 3-year term | Additional down payment savings |
| At Closing | Initial deposit + monthly credits | Your full down payment |
What Happens at Closing
How Much Down Payment Will You Need?
The 3% gets you started. Your full down payment at closing depends on:
JAAG’s Credit Team determines your target down payment and structures monthly credits to ensure you have exactly what you need by year 3.
You do. When you enter the JAAG services, you take homeowner responsibilities as if you’re already on title. This builds pride of ownership and prepares you for actual homeownership.
Your Responsibilities
Regular Maintenance (Ongoing)
Capital Expenses (Major Repairs)
Insurance Deductibles If JAAG files a claim for weather or natural events, you pay the deductible ($2,000).
Why This Works
Every dollar you invest in maintenance and improvements builds your equity at the predetermined purchase price. You’re not just renting—you’re functioning as a homeowner.
JAAG’s Pre-Move-In Role
Property taxes and property insurance (structure) are included in your consolidated monthly payment. You pay separately for tenant/content insurance.
What’s Included in Your Monthly Payment
Property Taxes — JAAG pays municipality; calculated and predetermined
Property Insurance (Structure) — JAAG pays; covers building damage from fire, weather.
What You Pay Separately
Tenant/Content Insurance — JAAG recommends you purchase one to cover:
Payment is Predetermined
Your total monthly payment is predetermined for the entire term—never increases, even if property taxes rise or insurance rates change.
Why Consolidated Payments Work
Traditional mortgage payments only include principal + interest. JAAG’s payment includes mortgage, property taxes, property insurance, AND down payment credits—delivering significantly more value.
Yes, absolutely. Make improvements that increase the home’s value—every dollar you invest benefits you when you purchase. Treat the house as your own from day one.
What You Can Improve
Cosmetic Improvements (Always Encouraged)
Minor Upgrades (With Approval)
Major Upgrades (With Approval)
Maintenance
How to Build Equity
Your purchase price is predetermined at program start. Any improvements you make increase the home’s value beyond that predetermined price.
Example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fixed purchase price | $500,000* |
| Home value after your improvements | $575,000* |
| Your equity gain | $75,000* |
*This example is illustrative. Actual equity gains depend on improvements made, market conditions, and property appreciation—results vary and are not guaranteed.
Capital Expenses
You’re responsible for all major repairs (furnace, roof, electrical, plumbing systems, structural work)—just as a homeowner would be. These maintain property value and build your homeownership experience.
See FAQ: Who pays for repairs and maintenance? for a full capital expenses list.
Yes. JAAG requires a home inspection before making any offer, even in competitive markets. This protects you from hidden issues and ensures the property is a sound investment.
Why Inspections Are Required
Inspection Details
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost | You pay (standard real estate cost) |
| Timing | After offer is made during the conditional period |
| Inspector | JAAG has contacts with licensed professional (OAHI) that we have used in the past and recommended |
| Coverage | Structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, foundation, appliances, safety |
What Happens With Results
Bottom Line
The inspection protects your investment as a future homeowner. It’s a standard step that prevents problems after purchase.
If the purchase price or immediate repairs are not within your approved budget, we will direct you to a property that fits your budget.
Two Reasons We Might Not Buy Your Chosen Home
| Reason | What It Means | Your Options |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price exceeds your approved budget | The home costs more than your approved amount | 1. Look at properties within budget / 2. Negotiate price with seller / 3. Review your approved budget with our team |
| Immediate repairs exceed your approved budget | Home inspection reveals repairs beyond your budget | 1. Choose a different property / 2. Negotiate repair costs with the seller / 3. Adjust your property criteria |
How We Help You Find the Right Home
When your chosen home doesn’t fit your approved budget, we don’t stop there. We offer options:
Why Budget Approval Matters
Your approved budget is based on:
The Bottom Line
We won’t buy a home outside your approved budget. But we will work with you to find a solution that keeps you on track to homeownership success.
We extend the program. If you can’t obtain a mortgage by term end, JAAG will work with you to extend until you qualify. This extension clause is built into your Purchase Option Agreement.
How Extension Works
Conditions for Extension
You’re eligible to extend if:
Extension Changes
Why Extension is Needed
Common Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Credit improving but target not hit yet—one more year of repair gets you there
Scenario 2: Credit ready, but income short—if you changed jobs during the term
Scenario 3: Self-employed income documentation delays—a few more months gets documented income ready
This is unique to JAAG
Most rent-to-own providers lock you into the original term. Instead, JAAG offers:
Reality Check
Extension is a protection, not a guarantee. It requires:
The extension exists because we believe in you—but success still requires your effort.
Yes. One of the key benefits of JAAG’s program is the ability to extend if you need more time to qualify for a mortgage.
How Extension Works
When Extension Applies
Extension is available if:
Why JAAG Offers This
JAAG recognizes life happens. Rather than force you into homeownership before you’re ready, extending the program gives you:
JAAG works with you before terminating. You’re not immediately in default—JAAG follows a structured, client-focused process.
If You’re Struggling with Payments
JAAG’s first step is to help, not penalize:
If You Continue Struggling: Warning Letter Process
If payment issues persist:
If You Want to Exit
If you’re unable or unwilling to continue:
Reality Check
Breaking the agreement has consequences. But JAAG’s approach prioritizes working WITH you to find solutions rather than immediately terminating your contract.
No. The Purchase Option Agreement legally protects you from the seller backing out.
How You’re Protected
What This Means
Why This Matters
This protection is crucial because it:
No, not initially. Since you’re renting (not purchasing) during the program, you don’t need a lawyer to start. However, JAAG offers you the opportunity to get independent legal advice.
JAAG’s Approach
Important Note
Hiring and paying your own independent lawyer is your responsibility if you choose legal advice, as JAAG cannot participate in this process to uphold legal frameworks that prevent conflicts of interest in client representation.
Why Consider Independent Legal Advice?
While not required, an independent lawyer can help you:
Bottom Line
You don’t need a lawyer to begin the program, but JAAG gives you the option to seek independent legal advice at your own cost if you want additional clarity.
Yes, rent-to-own is legal in Ontario. However, it requires two separate, carefully structured legal agreements governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and Purchase Option Contract.
Legal Framework
Rent-to-own in Ontario involves:
Key Protections
Individual Risk Assessment
JAAG is partner-focused—your success is our success, and our shared goal is getting you to full homeownership. While JAAG’s approach reduces risk, increases flexibility, and maximizes your chances of success, independent legal advice is still essential to assess your unique risk, questions, and circumstances.
Bottom Line
Rent-to-own is a legal, recognized path to homeownership in Ontario when structured properly with clear agreements. JAAG’s Tenant Lease and Purchase Option Agreement follow Ontario law.
JAAG uses a lease-option structure. This gives you the RIGHT to buy—not the obligation. You can choose to purchase or walk away.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lease-Option (JAAG) | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Can you choose NOT to buy? | Yes | No—you must buy |
| Can you extend the term? | Yes (JAAG allows extension) | Usually locked in |
| Early buyout option? | Yes (1, 2, 3-year options) | Typically no |
| Legal structure | Tenant Lease + Purchase Option Agreement | Single Lease-Purchase Agreement |
| If you can’t qualify for a mortgage? | Extend program, try again | Forced to complete or default |
How JAAG’s Lease-Option Works
Two Separate Agreements:
Your Flexibility:
No. JAAG Properties provides credit repair services free of charge for all Rent-to-Home clients.
What’s Included (No Extra Cost)
How It Works
Your credit team support is built directly into your monthly payment—there are no additional fees, application charges, or management costs. When you succeed, we succeed.